NEW DELHI: Students of Lady Shri Ram College for Women took out a protest march on Wednesday over the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir, raising concerns over women’s safety and the security of students in the area.The march came a day after the college cancelled regular classes and shifted them online following the incident.Students took to the streets to protest the alleged rape and highlight concerns over the safety of women and students in and around the area.The college, located around 2km from Aastha Kunj Park, will resume offline classes and its regular academic schedule from Thursday, principal Kanika K Ahuja said, news agency PTI reported.“Meetings are going on offline with a large number of students and faculty. Offline classes and regular schedule shall resume from tomorrow,” Ahuja said.The college administration has been holding meetings with students and faculty members to discuss safety concerns following the incident.The college had cancelled classes on Tuesday and shifted Wednesday’s classes online, saying the safety, security and well-being of its students were its top priority, PTI reported.“After we got to know about the unfortunate incident, we cancelled classes. The safety, security and well-being of our students is of paramount importance to us. We have requested our faculty mentors and college counsellor to remain available for any support students may require,” Ahuja had said.The college has also asked students requiring assistance to approach their faculty mentors and counsellor.The action came after the minor girl was allegedly raped by three men inside Aastha Kunj Park on Monday evening. Police said the accused allegedly posed as policemen before separating the girl from her 17-year-old male friend and taking her to a secluded part of the park.The girl and her friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir before entering Aastha Kunj Park through Gate 7. The accused allegedly approached them, claimed to be policemen and separated the girl from her friend.Police said the girl was allegedly assaulted in a secluded area, while her male friend was also allegedly beaten up and threatened.An FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.The girl was medically examined at AIIMS, while crime and forensic teams examined the spot.All three accused were arrested on Tuesday. One of them allegedly opened fire at police during his apprehension, with a bullet hitting the bullet-proof jacket of a head constable.The incident has triggered concern among the LSR community, with students demanding greater attention to women’s safety and security around the college and neighbouring areas.(With agency inputs)
