Shots Fired at Panjab University to Threaten Student Leader; Suspects Flee
A firing incident near the Department of Botany at Panjab University in Chandigarh on Tuesday evening has sparked major security concerns on campus. Two suspects entered the university on a two-wheeler, fired two shots in the air in a parking area, and fled, leaving behind a stolen scooter. The attack is suspected to be linked to gang rivalry, targeting a student leader from the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU).
Details of the Incident and Police Investigation
According to sources, the accused arrived on an Activa scooter, discharged the rounds, and escaped via the Ankur School road towards a temple inside the campus. They abandoned the scooter, crossed the temple on foot, and later snatched a motorcycle at gunpoint before heading towards the Punjab border area. CCTV footage from the temple clearly shows the suspects running out of the campus.
Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur stated that two shells were recovered from the spot. Preliminary investigations indicate the shots were intended to threaten Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda, a former secretary candidate from SOPU in the Panjab University Students Council elections. No formal complaint has been filed yet, and police are analyzing CCTV footage across the campus to identify the attackers.
Gang Involvement and Past Incidents
A social media post, allegedly connected to the Davinder Bambiha, Gopi Ghanshampuria, and Kaushal Chaudhary group, claimed responsibility for the firing. The post named Doni Bal and Shaganpreet as the attackers and issued warnings aimed at Jashan and individuals associated with the Lawrence-SOPU faction. This incident echoes past security lapses at the university.
- April 2016: An altercation between student groups led to firing on campus, injuring three people, with FIRs filed against five individuals.
- 2022: Two persons were rounded up for allegedly firing in the air outside Girls’ Hostel No. 7, raising concerns over security breaches.
Campus Tensions and Protests
The firing triggered immediate tension, with students gathering at the scene. Police teams, including forensic experts, rushed to investigate. Representatives from various student and political groups protested against university authorities, alleging a major security lapse and failure to ensure a safe environment for students.
The university is already under scrutiny for allowing star night events despite restrictions imposed after a murder on campus in 2024. One such event is scheduled for March 18 at the cricket ground, organized by PU Campus Students’ Council president Gaurav Veer Sohal, affiliated with the ABVP.
University Response and Ongoing Security Measures
Prof YP Verma, Registrar of Panjab University, assured that authorities will not tolerate any untoward activity and have taken strong note of the incident. He expressed confidence that the police will soon apprehend the accused. The incident occurred while the campus was under heavy security due to the ongoing student festival, Jhankaar, highlighting vulnerabilities in the current security framework.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on enhancing campus safety and addressing the underlying issues of gang rivalry and student politics that have plagued the institution in recent years.
