In a shocking incident that has sent tremors through the academic community, a senior professor at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) was shot dead by unidentified assailants within the university campus on Wednesday. The brazen attack occurred in broad daylight, prompting an immediate and massive police response.
Details of the Fatal Attack
The victim has been identified as Professor Syed Mohammad Shakeel Ahmed, a respected faculty member associated with the Department of Electrical Engineering. According to preliminary reports from the police, the incident took place on December 25, 2024. The assailants, whose identities and motives remain unclear, targeted the professor near his residence inside the campus premises.
Eyewitness accounts and initial investigations suggest that the attackers fired multiple shots at the professor, leading to his instantaneous death. The sound of gunfire caused panic among students and staff in the vicinity. Senior police officials, including the Aligarh Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), rushed to the spot upon receiving the alert. The area was swiftly cordoned off for forensic examination.
Police Response and Investigation Launched
Law enforcement agencies have launched an intensive manhunt to track down the perpetrators. Multiple police teams have been formed and are scanning CCTV footage from around the campus and nearby areas. The police have not yet disclosed any specific leads regarding the assailants' escape route or possible motives.
The Uttar Pradesh police have assured the public and the AMU administration of swift action. A high-level investigation is underway, focusing on all possible angles, including personal enmity and professional disputes. Forensic experts collected crucial evidence from the crime scene, which is expected to aid in identifying the culprits.
Community in Shock and Mourning
The killing has plunged the prestigious Aligarh Muslim University into a state of profound grief and disbelief. Professor Ahmed was described by colleagues as a dedicated academician and a gentle soul. The university administration has expressed deep anguish over the incident, calling it a grave attack on the sanctity of the educational environment.
Students and faculty members have gathered to mourn the loss, demanding enhanced security measures on the vast campus. This incident raises serious concerns about the safety and security within educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh. The state government is likely to face questions regarding law and order, especially in sensitive zones.
The coming days will be critical as the police pursue all avenues to solve this case. The academic fraternity across India is watching closely, hoping for justice for the slain professor and greater protection for educators nationwide.
