A student at South Asian University (SAU) in Delhi was gang-raped on campus on October 13, 2025 . The Students Federation of India (SFI) has condemned the crime, calling for immediate arrests and blaming the Union government and university administration for a failure in law and order.
SFI stated the incident was ‘shameful’ for the country. SAU aims to provide world-class facilities to students from SAARC regions. The federation holds both the university administration and the government accountable for the crime within the national capital.
SFI further stated the university administration, operating ‘under the guise of the centre ruling BJP government,’ was known for suppressing democratic student voices. The federation accused the administration of using ‘hostile actions’ against students organizing on campus.
SFI argued that a lack of democratic space fosters an ‘anarchic situation’ on campus. They stated this environment allows for an ‘imposed hierarchic subjugation of the students.’ The organization directly attributed this situation, and subsequently the crime, to the university administration and the Union Government.
SFI Cites Broader Safety Concerns
SFI highlighted a national increase in attacks on women, referencing the RG Kar incident and a gang-rape in West Bengal involving an Odisha student. The federation described an ‘unsafe atmosphere’ emerging across the country.
SFI defined this atmosphere as a direct result of ‘law and order failure’ and an ’emerging undemocratic atmosphere.’ They placed the responsibility for these failures squarely on the Union Government.
The federation also criticized the SAU administration for ‘disempowering’ students through ‘hostile measures.’ SFI demanded the university and government stop blaming students for such crimes.
Victim-Blaming Condemned
SFI specifically criticized recent remarks by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee regarding the Durgapur gang-rape case. Banerjee suggested girls living in hostels should not be out late, must adhere to rules, and stated police cannot be present everywhere.
SFI called Banerjee’s comments a ‘shocking failure of law and order’ and described them as ‘regressive and deeply insensitive.’ The federation stated such remarks attempt to blame the victim and evade governmental responsibility.
The organization argued these comments reflect a ‘conservative, regressive desire to confine women to their homes, stripping them of their freedom.’ SFI found this attempt to shift blame for maintaining public safety unacceptable.
Demands for Action
SFI demands the swift arrest of the culprits responsible for the SAU gang rape. They also called for an immediate cessation of ‘offensive measures’ against students by the university and government.
The federation insists on strengthened security for all female students. SFI advocates for empowering students and ensuring a safe, democratic campus environment rather than blaming victims or suppressing student organizing.