A woman student at South Asian University (SAU) in New Delhi was allegedly sexually assaulted by four individuals on the campus, prompting massive protests by fellow students. The incident came to light after the student, who had been reported missing a day earlier, was discovered injured with her clothes torn on October 13, police said on Tuesday.
According to officials, a PCR call was made to Maidan Garhi police station around 3 pm on Monday, informing authorities that the missing student from SAU’s Chhatarpur campus had been found in distress. “The call was made by an acquaintance of the student. Police teams responded immediately. Based on her statement, an FIR has been lodged under appropriate sections. The investigation is being conducted with full sensitivity and urgency,” said DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan.
The student was located near the university auditorium after an internal search. She was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation and is currently receiving counselling. Police sources confirmed that the FIR includes charges of attempted gangrape. The student reportedly told police she was attacked by four people near the auditorium. Authorities have asked the university administration to hand over CCTV recordings to help trace her movements after she left her hostel.
Investigators learned that the student had moved to the SAU campus around two weeks ago after spending a year in Kota. During questioning, she revealed she has been under treatment for depression following her parents’ separation, her father resides in Bihar while her mother lives in Mumbai.
After the news broke Monday evening, students gathered outside the administrative block to protest what they alleged was the university’s slow response and negligence. The demonstration continued for about eight hours.
In a statement, SAU condemned the “alleged act of sexual violence” and reaffirmed its zero-tolerance stance toward harassment, asserting its solidarity and full support for students.