Astha Kunj Park gang-rape: LSR suspends classes; students consider leaving Delhi amid safety fears

You don’t have any Active Subscription.

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Delhi. File | Photo Credit: Sandeep Saxena

Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) suspended classes from noon on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) after a police encounter with one of the accused in the Astha Kunj Park gang-rape case took place barely 50 metres from the college’s back gate, leaving students anxious about their safety. Students said classes were also suspended on Wednesday (September 23), with some sessions shifted online.

The encounter took place near D.M. Office Road in Amar Colony. Asif, one of the three accused in the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old in Astha Kunj Park on Monday (September 21), opened fire at a police team that had intercepted him, police said. Three rounds were allegedly fired, with one bullet hitting a head constable’s bulletproof jacket. Police then fired two rounds in self-defence, one of which struck Asif in the right leg.

The proximity of the gunfire to the women’s college, barely hours after the gang rape in the nearby park, has heightened unease among students. LSR Students’ Union president Anusha Garg said that around 2,000–3,000 women students live in paying guest accommodation and other housing around Astha Kunj Park and attend the college.

Several students said their parents had asked them to return home temporarily amid safety concerns. With classes suspended or shifted online, some students were also considering leaving Delhi for the time being.

Students said they were avoiding travelling alone, particularly between the college, nearby Metro stations, and their accommodation, and were instead commuting in groups. “I live in a PG in Greater Kailash, and I was not able to travel alone from college to my PG. There was a sense of uneasiness and anxiety, and I wanted to commute in a group at least for the day,” a student told The Hindu, requesting anonymity.

The LSR Students’ Union also conducted an emergency online general body meeting on Tuesday night (September 22, 2026) to discuss students’ concerns and safety demands, including stronger security around the college perimeter.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.