Delhi University students protest for women’s safety after alleged gang-rape at Aastha Kunj park

On a Friday in late September 2026, roughly 200 Delhi University (DU) students marched from Kamala Nehru College toward Gargi College, carrying placards that read “Hum Auratein Azaad Hai” (“We women are free”). The demonstration responded to the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl inside Aastha Kunj park, near the Kalkaji Mandir precinct. Participants included students from Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR), Gargi College, Miranda House, Kamala Nehru College, and other DU affiliates.

The Indian ExpressThe Indian ExpressThePrintLSR classes put on hold as students protest after Kalkaji gangrape Hindustan TimesReporter's Diary: Students Of Two Delhi Colleges March, Demand Freedom From Fear

The Aastha Kunj case revived memories of the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape, which protesters cited as evidence of ongoing systemic failures. Earlier in the week, reports of molestation of minors in Bihar’s Jamui and Samastipur districts added to concerns about women’s safety nationwide. Activists also highlighted inadequate street lighting, non-functional CCTV cameras, and a Delhi Development Authority proposal to bar women from public parks after sunset.

ThePrint

• Approximate protest size: 200 students.

CNN-News18

• Colleges represented: LSR, Gargi, Miranda House, Kamala Nehru, plus participants from Dr B R Ambedkar University and faculty members.

The Indian Express

• Reported safety deficiencies: non-functional streetlights on university routes, limited police “Pink Booth” coverage, and insufficient CCTV at Aastha Kunj park’s entry and exit points.

LSR classes put on hold as students protest after Kalkaji gangrape

• Police actions: three suspects—Asif, Hemant and Mukesh—were arrested; Asif was injured in an exchange of fire with police.

CNN-News18

Anusha Garg, president of the LSR Students’ Union, outlined measures being pursued: increased patrolling in National Park and Vikram Vihar, strengthened “Pink Squad” patrols, monitoring of personnel at the Pink Booth and back gate, and plans to improve street lighting on roads behind the college. Specific locations flagged by students have been forwarded to municipal authorities.

The Indian Express

Principal Kanika Ahuja told reporters that faculty mentors and college counsellors have been instructed to remain available for student support.

CNN-News18

Delhi Police officials reported that the three accused were apprehended, noting the park’s lack of CCTV coverage and poor lighting after dusk. Senior officers visited LSR to discuss enhanced patrolling, deployment of women officers, and the use of police-controlled response (PCR) vans around the campus perimeter.

LSR classes put on hold as students protest after Kalkaji gangrape

• “Even today, I am looking for someone to go back with me to Lajpat Nagar where I stay… I send my live location to at least 10 people just so someone knows where I am…We shouldn’t have to live like this.” — Pointing

The Indian Express

• “It’s our first year. The teachers have clearly warned us that whenever we need to step out, we must move in groups even for small errands,” — Ngawang Gatso

Hindustan Times

Organisers have called for reforms such as better street lighting, accessible public-transport passes, and the removal of “protectionist” policies that restrict women’s access to public spaces after dark. They warned that if concrete safety assurances are not provided, further marches are planned.

ThePrint