VC takes U-turn, PU goes ahead with star night a day after firing

Chandigarh: In a sharp U-turn day after announcing event cancellation, Panjab University (PU) on Wednesday went ahead with ABVP-organised Satinder Sartaaj star night despite Tuesday's firing incident, drawing a crowd of over 5,000 and exposing serious gaps in planning, coordination and security. Haryana CM Nayab Saini, who was to attend the event at chief guest, skipped the event.PU vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig had on Tuesday had said the event stood cancelled and all ‘Jhankaar' fest programmes would be put on hold until a better security plan was in place. The statement came hours after gunshots were fired near the botany department parking area, close to the student centre, triggering panic during peak fest footfall. However, a closed-door meeting of key university officials with the ABVP event organisers on Wednesday reversed the decision, and preparations resumed within hours at the UBS grounds.By evening, the situation on ground reflected the sudden shift. Cricket ground gates were opened late, leading to large crowds building up outside the venue. Gate No 1 was shut at around 5.30pm, while the remaining entry points were closed later following directions from the vice-chancellor at around 7.30pm, according to a senior PU security official. The staggered and abrupt gate closures left many residents and visitors stranded outside, with several complaining of being unable to enter the campus amid mounting traffic congestion.Traffic regulation inside the campus was handled by PU security, resulting in long snarls across key stretches around the student centre and adjoining academic blocks. With multiple access points and no uniform checks, movement remained largely unregulated even as thousands entered for the concert. The area near the venue, already flagged as sensitive after the firing a day earlier, saw heavy crowding without visible crowd control measures in place.Despite the concerns, Satinder Sartaaj performed in the evening as scheduled. The event continued amid visible strain on basic arrangements, raising fresh questions over decision-making and preparedness for large gatherings on campus.Police flag delay, inadequate security planA senior police official said the university had approached police too late for proper deployment. The input from PU's security team reached police only on Wednesday, but carried the previous day's date. While the communication mentioned multiple VIPs and VVIPs, it did not specify who was attending. A questionnaire seeking preparedness inputs was received around 3pm. "How can arrangements be made at such short notice?" the official said, adding that PU had indicated it would rely on bouncers and around 100 in-house security personnel, which was inadequate for an event of this scale.Hry CM listed as chief guest, skips eventHaryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini was listed as the chief guest for the star night in posters shared by ABVP officials, but did not attend the event.Cricket ground choice unprecedented, damage assessment awaitedThe use of the varsity cricket ground for a star night is unprecedented, with the venue earlier kept off-limits over concerns of damage to the pitch and sprinkler system. University officials said an assessment of any damage caused during the event is yet to be carried out.