Gunfire Erupts at Punjab University, Raising Concerns Over Campus Safety

Chandigarh, March 18: A significant incident of gunfire has occurred near the Botany Department at Punjab University in Chandigarh, raising suspicions of a gang-related feud. This event has sparked new concerns regarding campus safety.

According to sources, on Tuesday evening, two unidentified individuals entered the campus on a motorcycle and fired two shots into the air in the parking area near the Botany Department. They then fled towards the temple located within the campus via Ankur School Road.

The assailants abandoned their motorcycle at the scene, crossed through the temple area on foot, and exited the campus. CCTV footage reportedly shows them stealing a motorcycle at gunpoint before escaping towards the Punjab border.

Reports indicate that the gunfire was aimed at intimidating a student leader associated with a student organization at Punjab University. This incident points to an ongoing rivalry. It occurred during the ongoing student festival ‘Jhankaar,’ which had heightened security measures in place on campus.

Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur stated, “The police recovered two empty cartridges from the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that the shots were fired to threaten a person named Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda. However, no complaint has been filed yet. The investigation is ongoing, and we are reviewing CCTV footage from across the campus.”

Tension spread throughout the campus following the shooting, with students gathering at the scene shortly after the incident. Police teams, including forensic experts, arrived promptly to begin their investigation and identify the attackers.

Representatives from various student and political groups protested against the university administration, accusing them of a significant security lapse. They argued that the administration has failed to ensure a safe environment for students.

Senior Superintendent of Police Kanwardeep Kaur reiterated, “The police recovered two empty cartridges from the scene. Initial investigations indicate that the shots were fired to intimidate Jashanpreet (Jashan) Singh Jawanda. However, no complaint has been registered yet. The investigation is ongoing.”