Delhi University Students Mobilize for Women’s Safety After Aastha Kunj Incident

On September 28, at least 3,000 women students marched through North Campus, converging at the Faculty of Arts. Organized by students from Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram College, Gargi College and other DU colleges, the protest demanded safer public and institutional spaces after the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park a week earlier.

Delhi University students march in rain over women’s safety

The Aastha Kunj incident on September 21 sparked campus protests. A prior march on September 23, led by Lady Shri Ram College students, highlighted concerns over Internal Complaints Committees and recurring harassment during university events. Students argue that “pink booths” have become symbolic surveillance tools rather than effective protections.

Rahul Gandhi backs Delhi students' women's safety protests: 'Solution is not to lock women inside'

• Participant estimates vary: The Hindu reports >= 3,000 women students, while other outlets describe the gathering as “hundreds.”

The Hindu

• Delhi police safety audits cover more than 5,000 schools and 30 universities across the capital, evaluating 16 parameters such as gate security, lighting, CCTV coverage and unauthorized vendors.

The Hindu

Students described daily restrictions imposed by families, including constant location tracking and curfews after dark. They cited poorly lit streets, isolated lanes and inadequate public transport as persistent hazards, reinforcing the perception that existing safety laws are ineffective on the ground.

Hindustan Times

The university official added that reports from individual institutions will be compiled for further action. The Supreme Court, on September 28, directed its registry to initiate suo motu proceedings concerning recent rape cases, including the Aastha Kunj incident, and called for accountability from authorities on public safety.

CNBC TV18

Student leaders criticized reliance on symbolic measures and restrictions on women’s movement, arguing that limiting access to public spaces penalises victims rather than addressing perpetrators.

Rahul Gandhi backs Delhi students' women's safety protests: 'Solution is not to lock women inside'

Sources differ on the scale of the September 28 protest: one reports >= 3,000 participants, while others describe “hundreds.” No definitive headcount is available, leaving the exact magnitude of the mobilisation unclear.

ThePrint

• “Stop punishing women for the crimes committed against them,” — Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi backs Delhi students' women's safety protests: 'Solution is not to lock women inside'

• “Pink booths are put up, but most of the time no one is sitting there,” — Ms. Anjali

The Hindu

• “Even if I step out at 7 pm to go to a nearby shop, it becomes an issue with parents constantly asking for photos and live locations. It feels like I am the problem. We are not the ones committing the crimes. The administration needs to increase security, fix broken street lights, and educate sons early on.” — Manshi, a Master’s student at Jesus and Mary College (JMC)

The Indian Express

Police audits will continue across the remaining institutions, with follow-up inspections planned to close identified gaps. The Supreme Court’s suo motu action signals potential judicial oversight of safety protocols. Political attention intensified on September 29 when Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly endorsed the student protests and urged greater participation from Gen Z women.

Rahul Gandhi backs Delhi students' women's safety protests: 'Solution is not to lock women inside'