“We don’t feel safe anymore”: Students demand justice as protests continue at South Asian University

“We don’t feel safe on campus anymore. Some girls are scared to even walk through the dark areas. The campus isn’t well lit, and there are no lights at many places. We feel very unsafe,” said a student of South Asian University (SAU), standing among others, participating in a protest that has stretched into several days.

Following the alleged sexual assault of a female student on the campus, the university has been witnessing continuous demonstrations, with students demanding justice and stronger safety measures. Despite steps taken by the administration and suspension of Anupma Arora (Assistant II) and relieving of Rinkoo Devi Gupta (Hostel warden) from their respective posts, students say no concrete measures had been taken to improve security on the university campus.

The atmosphere on the campus has changed dramatically since the incident. “Now everyone goes in groups. No one dares to go alone even in well-lit areas. That’s how much fear there is among girls here,” shared another student, highlighting how insecurity had seeped into their daily routines.

Mainly girl students are very much afraid after the incident on the university campus. Many students also raised concerns over the movement of construction workers around hostels, saying their presence added to their sense of unease. “Even after the incident, construction workers keep roaming around. We don’t know who they are, whether their details are checked or not. It makes us feel very scared and uncomfortable,” a student said.

With no arrests yet, anger among protesters continues to grow. “It’s been several days, and not a single accused has been arrested. Who knows, the molesters might still be on the campus among us. How can we feel safe when nothing is certain?” another student remarked.

Students have vowed to continue their peaceful demonstration until justice is delivered, the accused are arrested, and the university strengthens its internal safety mechanisms, including better lighting, stricter checks on outsiders and a more responsive complaint system.