Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi has moved its classes online as a precaution after an alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir and a subsequent police encounter close to the college raised fresh concerns about student safety.
The college, located around two kilometres from Aastha Kunj Park, cancelled regular offline classes on September 22 and continued teaching online on September 23.
College increases security around campus
LSR Principal Kanika K Ahuja said the safety and well-being of students remained a priority. Faculty mentors and the college counsellor have also been asked to remain available for students who need assistance.
The college has contacted Amar Colony Police Station and sought additional police patrolling around the campus. Particular attention has been requested around the back gate, adjoining lanes and nearby parks.
Security arrangements are also being strengthened, including increased CCTV monitoring. Students, faculty members and staff have been advised to avoid gathering near the back gate.
Police encounter near LSR adds to security concerns
The decision to conduct classes online came after a police encounter involving one of the accused in the assault case.
According to reports cited in the source material, the exchange of fire took place roughly 50 metres from the college’s back gate on Tuesday.
The incident prompted the LSR Students’ Union to hold an emergency online general body meeting. Students discussed security concerns and sought stronger police presence and surveillance in the areas surrounding the college.
What happened at Aastha Kunj Park?
The alleged assault took place on the evening of September 21. According to police reports cited by The Times of India, the 17-year-old girl had gone to Kalkaji Mandir with a 17-year-old male friend before the two entered Aastha Kunj Park through Gate 7.
Three men allegedly approached the teenagers while pretending to be police officers. They reportedly told the two that they were minors and could face legal consequences before separating the girl from her friend.
The men allegedly took the girl towards a secluded part of the park, where she was sexually assaulted. Police said the accused also threatened the girl and her friend.
One of the accused, identified as Asif, allegedly used a firearm and knife during the incident.
A PCR call was received at around 8:45 pm. Police personnel from Amar Colony Police Station then reached the park. The girl was taken to AIIMS for medical examination, while crime and forensic teams examined the location.
An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Three accused arrested
Police arrested all three accused within about 12 hours of the alleged incident.
They were identified as Asif, an onion wholesaler; Hemant, a lawyer; and Mukesh, Hemant’s brother and a final-year BSc Mathematics student.
Police said Asif allegedly opened fire when officers tried to intercept him near DM Office Road in Amar Colony. According to the police account, he fired three rounds, with one bullet hitting the bulletproof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh.
The officer allegedly returned fire in self-defence, hitting Asif in the right leg. He was later taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.
Priyanka Chaturvedi reacts to LSR’s decision
Shiv Sena UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also commented on the college’s decision to move classes online.
Reacting on X, she wrote, “Time to cage the men rather than restrict the women from going about their daily lives.”
The incident and the subsequent police action have put renewed focus on security around Aastha Kunj Park and the areas surrounding LSR.
For now, the college’s online classes are being treated as a precautionary step while additional patrolling, CCTV monitoring and other security measures are being strengthened around the campus.
