An alarming incident involving a civil service aspirant has caused considerable concern and scrutiny after the student, identified only as Vani, claimed to have been paralyzed by an electric shock at a library in Rajender Nagar, Delhi. The situation has prompted a police investigation and significant public interest, particularly as it unfolded in close proximity to another tragic event involving students in the same area.
Vani, a civil service aspirant, reported that the incident occurred on July 23, just days before the deaths of three students in a basement library flood in the same locality. According to her account, she experienced a severe electric shock while using the biometric attendance system at the Bureaucrat Library. She is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Bareilly. Her account has gained traction after a video showing her condition went viral, which led to widespread social media speculation and concern.
In her statement to TOI, Vani described how the shock happened: “I received a shock when using the biometric attendance system and am now undergoing treatment at a hospital in Bareilly.” She explained that while she was using the fingerprint scanner to mark her attendance, she inadvertently touched a metal gate that had been electrified due to a live wire hidden in a pool of water. This shocking revelation has intensified the focus on the library's safety and maintenance practices.
Dr. Sudeep Saran, who is treating Vani, confirmed the severity of her condition. He recounted that Vani had touched the entry gate after using the biometric system, only to be electrocuted by a live wire concealed in the water. “She was in a critical condition and had suffered paralysis,” Dr. Saran noted. “But she is recovering now, and her condition is slowly becoming stable.” Dr. Saran also shared that Vani had developed a phobia of electric shocks as a result of the incident, which had significantly impacted her daily life and required psychological counseling in addition to medical treatment.
Initially, Vani was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi but was later transferred to a hospital in Bareilly, thanks to arrangements made by her father, who is an ICU-in-charge at the Bareilly facility. Her father has expressed relief at seeing signs of improvement in his daughter's condition, despite the ongoing challenges.
The Bureaucrat Library, where the incident occurred, has since been sealed by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). On July 31, the MCD issued a notice citing violations of the Master Plan Delhi 2021 (MPD-2021). The notice, signed by the deputy commissioner for the Karol Bagh zone, highlighted that the library premises were being used in a manner contrary to the sanctioned use and provisions of the MPD-2021. The notice stated that the premises had been found to be in non-compliance with mandatory provisions, including misuse of additional Floor Area Ratio (FAR), basement, and fire safety regulations. The MCD’s action reflects broader concerns about regulatory compliance and safety standards in public spaces.
The situation has drawn significant attention and prompted calls for accountability and improved safety measures in public facilities. The police have initiated contact with Vani and are preparing to register a formal case once she provides her statement. The incident has raised serious questions about the safety protocols in place at public libraries and other institutions, especially those frequented by students and the general public.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus will likely be on uncovering the extent of negligence and ensuring that such incidents do not recur. The combination of Vani's distressing experience and the library's regulatory issues has highlighted a critical need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and better oversight of public facilities.
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