During September 2026, widespread public and student outcry emerged in Delhi following the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in South Delhi on 21 September 2026. The incident triggered particular concern among Delhi University students after institutions advised students to avoid the park and Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) temporarily shifted classes online. Students questioned why restrictions on women’s movement and access to public spaces were being imposed when the responsibility for preventing sexual violence should also involve ensuring effective policing and accountability. The protests subsequently expanded into broader demands for safer public spaces, improved lighting and CCTV coverage, police patrolling, safer public transport and greater institutional accountability.
Recent developments include:
- On 23 September, around 200 students from LSR, Miranda House, Gargi College and other institutions marched to demand improved women’s safety. Students highlighted concerns including inadequate street lighting, CCTV coverage, police patrolling and public transportation around campuses.
- On 24 September, LSR resumed offline classes and announced the formation of a Student Security Council to coordinate with the administration and police on security-related concerns.
- On 25 September, students from LSR, Miranda House, Gargi College and Kamala Nehru College participated in a march under the banner “Hum Auratein Azaad Hain (We women are free)”. Protesters called for better street lighting, public transport access and safer public spaces around educational institutions.
- On 28 September, Miranda House students organised another solidarity march, reiterating demands concerning women’s safety and access to public spaces. The organisers described the demonstration as independently organised, while the participation of political student organisations generated discussion over the character and independence of the mobilisation.
- On 29 September, hundreds of Delhi University students held a women-led march across North Campus following the Kalkaji rape, demanding greater safety and accountability while highlighting broader concerns around harassment, stalking, inadequate infrastructure and restrictions on women’s mobility.
- During the period, Delhi authorities ordered safety audits of parks, including reviews of lighting, CCTV coverage, security personnel and police patrolling. These measures formed part of the official response to the safety concerns raised following the incident.
The mobilizations have contributed to increased public debate on safe access to public spaces for women and created opportunities for increased engagement between student organisations, university administrators, local authorities, and law enforcement in addressing community safety concerns. It therefore provides an opportunity for improving spaces for meaningful consultation with students and civil society organisations and broader discussions regarding the prevalence of gender-based violence as a barrier for women to access public spaces and thus participate in society in equal and safe ways