New Delhi
oi-Ashish Rana
The gang rape of 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park has sparked new attention to security arrangements around Lady Shri Ram College for Women. The students have raised their concern about poor lighting, gaps in security and some incidents of stalking near the college.
Following a gang rape at Aastha Kunj Park, Lady Shri Ram College students voiced concerns regarding poor lighting and security near the college’s back gate, prompting LSR to shift classes online temporarily.
Many LSR students who particularly lives in PG accommodations nearby location, said that they feel uncomfortable when using the road near the college’s back gate in late evening hours.
“The back gate near where the exchange of firing between police and the accused happened is actually a very unsafe area. There have been incidents where we have seen men masturbating. It is unsafe in the evening,” said Kavya, a third-year student.
The students have also raised question to lack of proper street lighting near the gate and concerned about the proper regular staff in the Delhi Police pink booth area.
Students Raise Lighting, Stalking Concerns
Another third-year student, who did not wish to be identified, said the stretch around the back gate remained poorly lit and that students had faced instances of stalking.
“There is no street light at the back gate. Even if one is installed, it gets broken the next day. There have been incidents where stalkers have followed women,” the student said.
The student also alleged that the pink booth, which was set up around 10-11 months ago, was often unmanned or empty in recent weeks.
Students said a significant number of LSR students stay in PG accommodations in and around the college, including the Zamrudpur area, making security on the routes between the college and residential areas a concern.
LSR Students Question Security Measures
“What is the point of this conversation anyway? One incident happens, then we talk about security concerns, and then we forget. It is like an endless cycle of the same nightmare,” said a second-year student.
“Why do administrations not take precautions, and why do we have these conversations after someone’s life is affected,” she asked.
The concerns come two days after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir, which is around two kilometres away from LSR.
Police have arrested a man in connection with the case and are questioning two others.
College Moves Classes Online After Incident
The alleged incident has also prompted the college to hold meetings with students and faculty.
LSR had cancelled classes on Tuesday and shifted classes online on Wednesday following the incident. The college is scheduled to resume offline classes and its regular schedule from Thursday.
Several students also said they were hesitant to participate in a solidarity march called at the college’s back gate, citing concerns about being at the location after dark.
“It will get dark, and I do not feel comfortable, especially since the situation is so volatile right now,” Preeti, a student, said.
Students have called for better lighting, functioning security infrastructure, regular police patrolling and greater security presence around the back gate and routes used by students living in nearby PG accommodations.
