In the midst of ongoing protests over the deaths of three UPSC aspirants, a student has been electrocuted at a coaching centre in Delhi that was waterlogged due to recent rains. The victim, Vani Awasthi, is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Bareilly. The incident occurred on Thursday.
Dr. Sudeep Saran informed that Vani was electrocuted while attempting to register her attendance using a biometric machine. “The coaching centre in Delhi was flooded from recent rains. When Vani arrived for her classes and used the biometric machine installed at the gate, she touched it and received an electric shock due to a current in the gate,” Dr. Saran explained.
Dr. Saran continued, “Vani lost consciousness and was initially taken to Safdarjung Hospital. After regaining consciousness, she was transported to Bareilly in an ambulance. Her condition was initially very critical, with complications including a phobia and loss of function in her left leg and hand.”
He added that her condition has improved with counseling and medication. “She can now speak properly, though she remains easily startled. It will take some time for her to fully recover, and we will need to monitor if there are any lasting effects on her cognitive abilities.”
According to Shweta, an eyewitness from Karol Bagh, the biometric machine was installed on an iron gate. “After the recent rains, waterlogging led to the electrocution. Vani was rushed to RML Hospital, admitted to the ICU for 1-2 days, and then transferred to Bareilly for further care,” Shweta said.
In response to the incident, the owner of the coaching centre has removed the biometric machine and shut down the library, which was operating from a basement. Shweta also mentioned that she has spoken with Vani, who is now doing better.