Delhi: LSR suspends physical classes, seeks more cops around campus

NEW DELHI: Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) has suspended physical classes and shifted to online mode for Wednesday after gang rape of a 17-year-old girl was reported inside Aastha Kunj park near the college’s back gate, the principal said on Tuesday

NEW DELHI: Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) has suspended physical classes and shifted to online mode for Wednesday after gang rape of a 17-year-old girl was reported inside Aastha Kunj park near the college’s back gate, the principal said on Tuesday.

The principal said the college had requested increased patrolling from Amar Colony police station in the lanes adjoining the college, particularly around the back gate and parks in the vicinity.

They have also sought increased police patrolling around the campus.

The college had suspended classes from noon on Tuesday following the incident and advised students, faculty and staff to avoid gathering near the back gate area, as per the administration.

College principal Kanika K Ahuja said the institution was in close contact with Delhi Police and was taking measures to strengthen security on and around the campus. “The safety, security and well-being of our students is of paramount importance to us. We have shifted classes online for tomorrow,” Ahuja said.

The principal said the college had requested increased patrolling from Amar Colony police station in the lanes adjoining the college, particularly around the back gate and parks in the vicinity.

“We have also requested our faculty mentors and college counsellor to remain available for any support students may require,” she said.

LSR students’ union president Anusha Garg said the focus should extend beyond general safety advisories to identifying vulnerable stretches around educational institutions.

“Women’s safety needs to move from generic advisories to location-specific safety audits. Authorities should identify the exact stretches students repeatedly flag, between campuses, Metro stations, bus stops, PGs and markets, and audit lighting, visibility, last-mile transport, emergency access and patrol presence there,” Garg said.

The college said it was coordinating with Delhi Police and taking necessary measures to strengthen campus security following the incident.