Expelled student of Allahabad University, Anand Singh, who was once booked under the National Security Act for tarring a professor, was shot at while another was beaten black and blue on Monday.

Singh was attacked as he was emerging from Tara Chand hostel, where he had illegally occupied a room.

Some youths, reportedly inmates of Halland Hall hostel, hurled bombs at him. Before Singh could react, they opened fire. A bullet hit him on the head and he was taken to the SRN Hospital, where his condition was stated to be critical.

The youths also thrashed Anand’s friend Surya Kumar Sahi, who is a university student.

The incident created panic among hostellers, who say both groups are criminals and the incident was part of their fight for supremacy. On Sunday night, Singh and his friends had hurled bombs on another group near Halland Hall hostel. Hence Monday’s retaliation, said a youth from the hostel.

The university administration has begun an inquiry into the incident. “If any student or hosteller is found involved in the incident, the administration will take stern action,” said Chief Proctor Jata Shankar.

The Colonelganj police have launched a manhunt for one Vijay Bagi, who is allegedly involved. “An FIR would be lodged after the statements of Anand Singh and SK Sahi are recorded,” said DIG Chandra Prakash.