A shocking incident has rocked Delhi’s South Asian University (SAU), a prestigious institution jointly established by SAARC nations, after a first-year B.Tech student alleged that four men attempted to gang-rape her within the university premises. The alleged assault, which took place in a secluded construction zone inside the campus, has ignited outrage among students and reignited debates on campus safety, institutional negligence, and the handling of sexual violence cases in higher education spaces.
According to the student’s complaint filed with the Delhi Police, the incident occurred when she was walking through an area undergoing construction work. The four accused allegedly cornered her, tore her clothes, and attempted to sexually assault her.
“The four accused tore my clothes, touched me, and attempted to gang rape me,” the survivor stated in her complaint, describing the traumatic ordeal.
The police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) pertaining to sexual assault and attempt to rape. Investigations are underway to identify and apprehend the accused. Senior officers from the South Delhi district police confirmed that the survivor’s statement has been recorded, and forensic evidence has been collected from the spot.
The incident has exposed glaring lapses in the university’s internal security systems. Students claim that several areas of the SAU campus, particularly those under construction, lack CCTV coverage and proper lighting. The attack reportedly took place in one such dimly lit area, raising questions about why students were allowed to pass through unsafe zones without supervision or restriction.
Multiple student bodies have demanded an immediate safety audit of the campus and have called for the administration to take accountability. “This is not just a case of sexual assault it is a case of gross negligence by the administration,” said a student representative. “How can such an incident take place inside a university campus with no one noticing or intervening?”
While police investigations have begun, the university administration has been accused of remaining largely silent. As of October 14, morning, no official statement had been issued by South Asian University addressing the incident or outlining immediate safety measures. This silence has angered students, who are planning protests demanding justice and stronger anti-harassment protocols.
Students allege that the administration’s lack of prompt communication and action reflects a larger culture of denial and institutional apathy.
“Every time such incidents happen, universities prioritise their image over the safety of students,” said another student. “We need immediate accountability and transparency in how the university is cooperating with the police.”
Police sources confirmed that multiple teams have been deployed to track down the suspects. Preliminary information suggests that the accused may be construction workers associated with an ongoing project on campus. Authorities are reportedly questioning site contractors and supervisors to verify their identities and role in the incident.
Forensic experts have visited the location to collect evidence, while medical examinations have been conducted to corroborate the survivor’s statement. Senior police officials have assured a swift and transparent investigation.
Despite frequent discussions on “gender sensitisation” and “safety audits,” students and women’s rights groups argue that implementation remains dismal. “Safety on campus is not about posters and policies it’s about action and vigilance,” said a Delhi-based women’s rights activist. “Institutions must be held legally accountable for security lapses that enable such crimes.”
Student groups and faculty associations are now demanding a high-level inquiry, not just into the assault, but also into the university’s failure to maintain adequate safety measures. They have urged the Ministry of External Affairs which oversees the SAARC-founded institution to intervene and ensure accountability at the administrative level.
“This university is meant to symbolise regional cooperation and progressive education,” said a faculty member. “Incidents like this destroy that vision unless justice is swift and systemic changes are made.”
