New Delhi, September 27: Recent incidents at Delhi University have raised significant concerns regarding student safety, particularly at Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), Hindu College, and Motilal Nehru College.
On September 22, police attempted to apprehend a suspect near the back gate of LSR, following a reported gang rape of a 17-year-old girl in a nearby park. The incident has led to heightened anxiety among students about security in the area. In response, LSR suspended classes on September 22 and shifted to online learning the following day, resuming offline classes on September 24.
Students have expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of adequate police presence and security measures, such as streetlights and CCTV cameras, around the college. Protests have erupted, demanding improved safety protocols, echoing similar demonstrations by students at Miranda House, Gargi College, and Kamala Nehru College.
The issue of safety for female students near LSR has persisted for over a decade, with complaints about harassment and stalking dating back to 2016. In April 2017, a student reported being stalked and assaulted by an individual outside the college.
In a separate issue, Hindu College has faced internal conflict, with the Hindu College Staff Association (HCSA) calling for the removal of Principal Prof. Anju Srivastava and Vice-Principal Prof. Reena Jain. This decision stems from disputes over the allocation of sports and extracurricular activity seats during the 2026-27 admission process.
Additionally, three professors have received show-cause notices following a vote of no confidence against the principal. Tensions have escalated, with ongoing protests and allegations of misconduct within the college.
On September 5, two students from Hindu College reported an attempted abduction by a group of boys in Mukherjee Nagar, leading to police intervention and subsequent arrests.
Moreover, a violent altercation occurred at Motilal Nehru College on September 16 during DUSU election campaigning, resulting in injuries to a teacher and further unrest among faculty and students.
The ongoing issues at these colleges highlight the urgent need for enhanced safety measures and administrative accountability within Delhi University.