Chandigarh, March 18 (NationPress) A serious incident involving gunfire, believed to be linked to gang rivalries, occurred near the Department of Botany at Panjab University in Chandigarh, stirring significant concerns regarding campus safety.

Reports indicate that two unidentified suspects arrived on a motorcycle and, upon reaching the university's parking area close to the Department of Botany, discharged two shots into the air on Tuesday evening. They subsequently escaped via Ankur School road towards the temple located within the campus grounds.

The assailants abandoned their motorcycle at the scene, proceeded on foot through the temple vicinity, and exited the university.

CCTV footage captured the suspects as they stole a motorcycle at gunpoint while making their escape towards the Punjab border.

The gunfire was allegedly aimed at intimidating a student leader affiliated with the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), indicating an ongoing feud. This alarming event took place during a time of heightened security on campus due to the ongoing student festival, Jhankaar.

Chandigarh Senior Superintendent of Police, Kanwardeep Kaur, stated, "The police found two shell casings at the scene. Initial investigations suggest the shots were directed at a student named Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda. However, no formal complaint has been filed yet. We are actively investigating, and CCTV footage from across the campus is currently being reviewed."

Jawanda, who previously ran for a secretary position in the Panjab University Students Council (PUCSC) elections, is a prominent figure within one of the factions of SOPU.

In 2024, he was publicly introduced by Ravi Rajgarh, an alleged associate of the Lawrence Bishnoi gang, during the PUCSC elections.

Before his affiliation with SOPU, Jawanda was part of the Students Organisation of India (SOI), the student wing of the Shiromani Akali Dal.

The incident has escalated tensions on campus, prompting students to gather at the scene shortly after the shots were fired.

Law enforcement officials, including forensic teams, rapidly responded to the location and began their investigation to identify the perpetrators.

Members of various student and political organizations protested against the university administration, accusing it of severe security negligence. They claimed that the administration had failed to provide a secure environment for the students.

The university is already facing scrutiny for permitting star night events despite existing restrictions. One such event is scheduled for March 18 at the cricket ground, organized by PU Campus Students’ Council president Gaurav Veer Sohal, who is linked with the ABVP. The university had enforced restrictions on such events following a murder that occurred on campus in 2024.

“The authorities will ensure no untoward incidents occur on campus. We are taking this incident very seriously. The police are investigating the case, and we are optimistic that the offenders will be apprehended shortly,” remarked Prof YP Verma, Registrar of PU.

“The police are analyzing CCTV footage, including recordings from the temple that clearly show the suspects fleeing the campus on foot. They left behind the Activa scooter used to enter the premises and later stole a motorcycle on the main road. This scooter is also suspected to have been stolen,” said a senior official from the university.