CHANDIGARH — Panic gripped the Panjab University (PU) campus on Tuesday evening after unidentified gunmen opened fire on student leader Jashanpreet Singh Jawanda (also known as Jashan Jawanda). The incident occurred near the Department of Botany at approximately 5:00 PM, during the ongoing “Jhankaar” student cultural festival.
Despite the heightened security measures for the festival, the assailants managed to breach the campus and carry out a daring attack before fleeing the scene on a snatched vehicle.
The Attack: A Narrow Escape
According to police reports, four assailants arrived on a stolen Activa scooter and targeted Jawanda, who serves as the National President of the Student Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU).
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The Firing: At least two rounds were fired at Jawanda. Witnesses stated that as he tried to escape, the attackers chased him and fired another shot. Jawanda managed to run to safety and remained unhurt, though one bullet reportedly struck a parked white vehicle.
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The Escape and Snatching: After the shooting, the suspects fled toward a dead-end near the Shri Radha Krishna Temple in Sector 14, where they abandoned their scooter. They allegedly threatened a temple priest at gunpoint before fleeing on foot toward Sector 25. Near Chitkara School, the group snatched a Bullet motorcycle from a husband and wife at gunpoint to make their final getaway.
Bambiha Gang Claims Responsibility
Hours after the incident, a social media post purportedly from the Bambiha Gang claimed responsibility for the assassination bid. The group identified the shooters as “Doni Bal” and “Shaghanpreet.”
The post framed the attack as a direct warning to those associated with the “Lawrence-linked SOPU faction,” referencing notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The gang warned that while Jawanda was “fortunate to survive” this time, others associating with rival factions would face similar consequences.
Security Lapses and Cancellations
The shooting has raised serious questions regarding the security protocols at Panjab University, especially during high-profile student events. In response to the violence:
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Event Cancelled: The university administration immediately cancelled the scheduled “Star Night” performance by Punjabi singer Satinder Sartaaj, which was set for Wednesday.
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Police Investigation: The Chandigarh Police have registered a case under the Arms Act. Forensic teams recovered two empty bullet shells from the spot, and multiple police teams are currently scanning CCTV footage from across the campus to track the suspects.
Additional police personnel have been deployed across the university to prevent further escalation of gang-related violence.
