“They were trying to enter the campus in name of filing nominations,” said senior superintendent of police (SSP) Nilambari Vijay Jagdale. “We have informed Punjab Police about Jatinder’s arrest.”

Jatinder was convicted by a Mohali court of the murder of kabaddi player Saudagar Singh, who was hacked to death outside the court on May 22, 2012. He is also named as accused in at least five other cases and has alleged links with gangsters in Punjab.

Police also arrested 11 persons during raids at boys’ hostels in the wee hours of Friday.

Around 125 cops converged on the boys’ hostels 1, 3 and 8 around 1:30am. The raids continued till 3.30am, said sources.

Deputy superintendent of police (DSP, central) Ram Gopal said those arrested were unable to produce their identity cards. He said outsiders staying in hostels can pose threat to law and order ahead of the elections, scheduled on September 7

Of the 11, three got bail while eight were sent to the Burail jail.

Even as various student organisations questioned police action on the campus, the university authorities as well as the police claimed steps are being taken to ensure smooth elections.

Sources said PU authorities and police officials decided during a meeting that cops will be responsible for maintaining law and order on the campus. PU has reportedly asked police to take over checking of vehicles entering the campus.

Parents will have to stand surety for the 98 student leaders whose names figure on the list of “troublemakers” prepared by the police.