Chandigarh, August 1
The Vice -Chancellor of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, was shot at from close range and seriously injured outside his office this evening. Ahluwalia was earlier VC of Punjabi University in Patiala.

Police sources said the VC stepped out of his office at about 3.30 pm. As he was interacting with the teaching staff, the assailant in a blue turban called for his attention and then opened fire. A profusely bleeding VC was rushed to the civil hospital in Fatehgarh Sahib. Since no doctor was there, he was rushed to the PGI, Chandigarh. The VC’s son alleged that before being rushed to the the PGI no first-aid was given to his father.

Ahluwalia was brought to the PGI unconscious and admitted to the emergency ward. His condition was said to be serious. Fatehgarh Sahib SSP RS Khatra said investigations were on to nab the assailant. “The assailant fired two shots at the VC. While the first missed him, the second hit him in the face.” The SSP said the police was working on different theories. Soon after the incident, the DC, Yashvir Mahajan, along with the SSP visited the crime spot. CM Parkash Singh Badal had inaugurated the university's academic session recently. Some radical outfits had opposed Ahluwalia's appointment as VC.

PCC chief Amarinder Singh said since the state police chief had abdicated responsibility and was acting as a mere ticket-seeking Akali jathedar, the murderous attack on the VC was not surprising.