Punjab varsity V-C shot at, critical

An unidentified gunman on Monday shot Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, vice chancellor of newly-formed SGPC's Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, leaving him crtically injured. The bullet reportedly pierced through the temple and got lodged in his jaw line.

Ahluwalia was referred to the PGI, where his condition was stated to be critical. Meanwhile, the assailant, in his mid-forties having a long beard managed to flee unchallenged from the campus. Unconfirmed reports say he was raised pro- Khalistan slogans before leaving.

Pertinent, the Panthic and radical organizations were opposing the appointment of Dr Ahluwalia as founder vice chancellor of University, due to controversy of Saru Rana sexual harassment case, in which latter was acquitted in 2010.

The incident occurred at 3.30pm when the vice chancellor reached the reception area to pass instructions to his staff. The assailant was reportedly waiting there and got attention of the VC after calling him.

Giving information, SSP Ranbir Singh Khatra said that after grabbing attention by calling 'VC Sahib' the assailant fired first round in air and second toward VC's head. The VC tried miserable to duck, but it was too late."

Rajwinder Singh, a private security man with vice chancellor and one of the eyewitnesses said, "It happened so quickly. VC sahib was talking on his mobile phone while walking. I heard the gun shot fired in air the before I could react the second shot was fired. I rushed to pick up him and the assailant fled", he added.

Following the incident, the Police sealed the university - the first academic session of which was inaugurated by CM PS Badal on July 25. DC and SSP closely inspected the spot. SSP said that there was no CCTV in the reception. "Thus, there is little information available about the assailant. We have registered a case of attempt to murder under Section 307 IPC in this regard and are tracking the mobile call details of entire area to look for a clue", he said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Dr Ahluwalia had held the post of vice-chancellor of Punjabi University in Patiala from May 1999 to April 2002. He was sacked from the post by the Capt Amarinder Singh government as university staff and students had been demonstrating for a long time seeking his removal. That time, Dr Ahluwalia was facing two case one relating to attempt to murder and other attempt to rape and outrage the modesty of a student. He is former civil services officer and a leading Punjabi poet.

Meanwhile, the SGPC President Avtar Singh Makkar, who is also chancellor of University, has condemned the incident.