Lady Shri Ram College students resumed face‑to‑face classes on Tuesday after a 17‑year‑old was gang‑raped by three men posing as police officers near Aastha Kunj Park earlier this week, sparking protests across Delhi. The incident, which unfolded in the early evening, left the campus community on high alert amid a wave of demonstrations demanding stronger safety protocols.
Ananya, a third‑year student, told reporters that the temporary shift to online classes felt like a band‑aid over a gaping wound. She added, "We are still terrified of walking the back gate at night; the lighting is inadequate and men linger there." Her words echo the concerns of dozens of peers who have staged sit‑ins outside the college gates.
Another student, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted the lack of surveillance: "There’s a pink booth at the end of the lane, but no cameras or proper lighting. Some auto‑rickshaw drivers even make lewd comments," she said. The campus, though secure on the front entrance, has been criticized for its poorly lit perimeter, a point that has intensified calls for comprehensive security overhauls.
In response, the college administration announced that it would conduct a safety audit next week, citing the need for better lighting, CCTV coverage, and collaboration with local police. The audit will also review emergency response protocols and the feasibility of a 24‑hour security presence.
Police officials are expected to investigate the three men implicated in the rape, while the university plans a meeting with student representatives to outline concrete safety measures before the next semester opens.