NEW DELHI – Students at South Asian University (SAU) in Delhi protested late Monday night. The demonstrations followed the alleged sexual assault of a female student on campus. Students gathered in university corridors, demanding immediate action against those responsible. University administration addressed the protestors from the opposing side of the halls.
Allegations and Police Report
The alleged victim, a first-year BTech student, reported a serious assault. She accused four men, including a security guard. Her statement to police claimed the attackers tore her clothes and attempted to gang rape her. The incident reportedly occurred at a construction site within the university’s premises.
Police received a PCR call reporting the incident at 3 PM on Monday. The call came from an individual known to the student. Initially, police filed a case of molestation. Further reports indicate the victim’s formal statement to authorities included allegations of attempted gang rape.
University’s Internal Inquiry
SAU issued an official statement regarding the allegations. The university announced the formation of an internal enquiry committee. This committee is tasked with investigating the incident. The panel is expected to submit its findings within a 10-day timeframe. The university’s statement was not published online.
Student Demands and Grievances
Student anger grew due to the university’s alleged handling of the victim. Reports suggested the administration blamed the student for being out late. Additionally, some sources claimed university officials questioned the victim’s mental stability. These claims included suggestions that the student might have caused harm to herself.
Following a general body meeting, students formalized a series of demands. These core demands included the immediate resignation of both the warden and the dean of students. Students also insisted on the prompt constitution of a functional gender sensitisation committee on campus.
Accountability and Criticism
Students held the Dean of Students (DoS) and the university proctor responsible for the incident. They questioned the perceived silence of professors and the administration. A student conveyed strong criticism through a post on social media platform X.
“Their silence speaks volumes,” the student wrote. “Their absence shows that they would let anything happen to their students as long as their hefty salaries are given to them. This is no educational institute. It is a money making machine where students are treated like absolute trash.”
The student further highlighted a climate of fear among students. “Students at South Asian University are treated as if they aren’t even humans. They have to go through an assault and yet, most of them have to live with it in silence because of the punishment that is imposed if they speak,” the student added.
Parental Appeal
The incident also drew the attention of concerned parents. One parent specifically appealed to national political leaders for intervention. This appeal was made via a post on social media platform X. The parent urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Prime Minister Narendra Modi to investigate the matter.
The post expressed deep shame regarding such an incident occurring within a university campus. “My daughter came back today from her university- South Asian University and she was panicking because one of the girl was sexually assaulted by 4 men,” the parent wrote. “This happened within the university campus. Pls look into the matter. Very shameful for the country.”
Ongoing Situation
The internal investigation by the SAU enquiry committee is currently active. Meanwhile, local police continue their independent investigation into the alleged assault. Students maintain their calls for increased accountability from university officials. They also demand the implementation of improved campus safety measures. Further updates are anticipated following the committee’s official findings and any subsequent police actions.