DU security assaults woman, her associate

A 30-year-old woman was beaten up by Delhi University's security staff near Arts Faculty, North Campus, for distributing pamphlets on Friday. Rajat Arora reports.

A 30-year-old woman was beaten up by Delhi University's security staff near Arts Faculty, North Campus, for distributing pamphlets on Friday.

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Sarah Grace, a resident of Safdarjang Enclave, and her associate Raj Bhatia, an investment banker, were distributing pamphlets near Arts Faculty when some security guards stopped them and physically assaulted them.

"I was just distributing pamphlets. The guards threatened us and started pushing me. They even slapped me. I never imagined that security staff would behave in such an inhuman manner," said Grace. The incident occurred around 12 noon.

"When I tried to stop the guards, they pushed me. The cops just stood there and did nothing. Students came to our rescue," said Bhatia. "This city is not safe for women. I was assaulted in broad daylight. We were humiliated by Delhi Police," Grace added.

The media coordinator of St. Stephen's College, Karen Gabriel, too voiced her anger. "Distributing pamphlets is not against the law. A woman was beaten up by the people who are supposed to make the campus safe for students. This is ridiculous," she said.

Meanwhile, students are demanding stern action against the security staff. A complaint of assault has been lodged, though an FIR is yet to be filed. "This is an internal matter between the complainants and DU authorities," said IB Rani, DCP (North).