New Delhi | October 14, 2025:
Students at the South Asian University (SAU) in south Delhi’s Maidan Garhi staged a demonstration on Tuesday, protesting the alleged sexual assault of a female student within the campus premises. The incident, which reportedly took place over the weekend, has triggered outrage among students and prompted the Delhi Police to register an FIR.
Allegation and Police Response
Police officials said that a PCR call was received around 3 pm on Monday from the survivor’s friend, reporting the alleged sexual assault. The case is currently being investigated by the South District Police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) Ankit Chauhan.
“The student is being counselled. So far, she has not given a formal statement,” DCP Chauhan said, adding that the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.
An officer familiar with the case stated that initial inquiries suggest the incident may have occurred on Sunday, when the student was reportedly alone on campus. “At this stage, there are no allegations of rape. The details are being verified,” the officer added.
According to reports, the police initially refrained from registering a case as the survivor had not filed a formal complaint. However, after receiving further information and statements, a First Information Report (FIR) was filed late Monday evening.
Protests Erupt on Campus
On Tuesday, large groups of students assembled near the main administrative block of the university, demanding swift and transparent action. Protesters carried placards that read “A Safe Campus Is Not a Privilege, It’s a Right” and “Stop the Delay.”
Student representatives alleged that the university administration was slow to respond and that safety mechanisms on campus remain inadequate. “We are not just protesting for one student; we are protesting against an unsafe campus culture. Every delay in justice emboldens predators,” said one of the students leading the sit-in.
The protesters demanded that the administration disclose details of the inquiry process, ensure the survivor’s protection, and make CCTV footage from the area available for investigation.
University Reacts: ‘We Condemn, If It Happened’
The university’s administration and faculty members have responded cautiously to the incident.
SP Aggarwal, Emeritus Professor of South Asian University, stated that the entire SAU community condemns the alleged act — if it indeed occurred.
“The administration is deeply concerned. We are providing assurances to students and parents in all forms. Everything will be done in accordance with the law, and we are fully cooperating with the police,” Aggarwal said.
He further added that an internal inquiry committee has been constituted by the university to examine the matter independently. “Our committee is also looking at the issue very seriously,” Aggarwal confirmed.
However, his phrasing — “if it has happened” — drew mixed reactions from students, with some accusing the administration of insensitivity and conditional acknowledgment of the survivor’s account.
University Cooperation and Preliminary Findings
In a statement, the SAU administration confirmed awareness of the PCR call and said it is extending “full cooperation to the investigating authorities.”
“The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, and the administration is providing all necessary assistance,” a university spokesperson said.
A purported internal letter, circulated among students but not officially verified by the university, claimed that the incident occurred near the campus auditorium on Sunday. The letter also mentioned that an internal inquiry committee had been formed to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged assault.
While Hindustan Times could not independently verify the authenticity of the letter, several students claimed it was shared internally by a staff member soon after the police visit to campus.
Police: Awaiting Survivor’s Statement
Police officials reiterated that the investigation would proceed once the survivor provides a detailed account. “This is a sensitive matter. The investigation is at a preliminary stage, and further steps will depend on the student’s statement,” said a senior officer involved in the probe.
Sources said that the forensic and technical teams have inspected the area mentioned in the complaint call, while statements from security personnel and other staff members are being recorded. CCTV footage from cameras around the auditorium and adjoining corridors has been collected for analysis.
Campus Tensions and Student Demands
As the protest continued into Tuesday evening, students submitted a memorandum to the Vice-President (Administration), seeking:
- Transparent communication from the administration.
- Protection and support for the survivor.
- Publication of inquiry outcomes within a specified timeframe.
- Safety audits of all campus buildings and hostels.
Several faculty members informally expressed solidarity with the protesting students, calling for a “zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment” on campus.
Background
The South Asian University, jointly established by SAARC nations, is known for its diverse student community representing several South Asian countries. The institution has previously faced student unrest over administrative delays and safety concerns, but this marks the first major allegation of sexual assault on campus in recent years.
As of Tuesday night, police confirmed that no arrests had been made and that the survivor’s statement was awaited to determine the next course of action.
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