A woman student at South Asian University (SAU) in Delhi was allegedly sexually assaulted by four people on campus, prompting protests by students demanding accountability. The student, who had gone missing a day earlier, was found injured near the university auditorium on October 13, with her clothes torn, police said on Tuesday.
A PCR call reporting the student’s condition was received by Maidan Garhi police station around 3 p.m. on Monday. Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan said, “The call was made by someone known to the student. A team immediately reached the spot. Based on the statement of the victim, an FIR has been registered under the relevant sections. The investigation is being conducted with due sensitivity and priority.”
Police said the student told them that four individuals pulled her near the auditorium. The FIR includes charges of attempt to gangrape. She was taken to a nearby hospital for medical examination and is being counselled. Police have requested the university to provide CCTV footage to trace her movements after leaving her hostel room.
The student had only recently shifted to the SAU campus, having joined about two weeks ago. News of the incident sparked outrage among students, who staged an eight-hour sit-in at the administrative block, accusing the university of being slow and insensitive in reporting the matter to authorities.
In response, SAU issued a statement condemning the incident. “The South Asian University condemns this alleged act of sexual violence in the strongest terms and in one voice. We stand with our students and assure them of our full support,” the statement read. It added, “We, the SAU community, faculty, staff and students, stand in solidarity in light of the alleged horrific act of sexual violence reported on campus. SAU has a zero-tolerance policy on sexual harassment and all forms of violence against women. We strongly condemn this and stand in support and solidarity.”
