Lady Shri Ram College for Women temporarily shifted classes online following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir, intensifying concerns over the safety of students and women in the area.

The incident took place on September 21, when three men allegedly posed as police officers before separating the teenager from her male friend and assaulting her inside the park. Three suspects were subsequently arrested, with one of them injured during a brief exchange of fire with police.

LSR cancelled physical classes from Tuesday afternoon and moved teaching online for Wednesday, citing the safety and security of students as a priority. The college also asked students and staff to avoid gathering near the back gate.

The incident prompted students to raise wider concerns about the security infrastructure around the campus and neighbouring areas. The Students’ Union has highlighted issues including inadequate street lighting, limited police presence and concerns over surveillance and emergency assistance.

Students have demanded functional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, stronger police patrolling and accessible women’s assistance booths around the campus and park perimeter.

The controversy has also put wider public-space safety in Delhi under scrutiny. Authorities have since moved towards broader inspections of parks, including assessments of lighting, security and patrolling.

For LSR students, the issue is not limited to the immediate incident. Their concerns centre on whether public spaces surrounding educational institutions can provide adequate safety for students travelling to and from campus, particularly after dark.