Kalkaji Mandir Gang Rape Case: Lady Shri Ram College Suspends Offline Classes After Encounter Near Back Gate, Shifts Teaching Online

Lady Shri Ram College for Women in Delhi has suspended regular offline classes and shifted teaching online following an alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl near Kalkaji Mandir, TOI reported. The incident occurred at Aastha Kunj Park, approximately 2 km from the college. The college, citing student safety as its top priority, cancelled all regular classes on Tuesday, September 22, and moved to online instruction on Wednesday.

LSR Principal Kanika K Ahuja stated that faculty mentors and the college counsellor have been made available to support students in need. The college has also coordinated with the Amar Colony Police Station, requesting increased patrolling around its perimeter, particularly near the back gate and adjacent lanes and parks. Students and faculty have been advised to avoid gathering near the back gate.

Following a police encounter near the college's back gate, the LSR Students' Union held an emergency online general body meeting to discuss safety concerns.

The alleged gang rape took place on Monday evening, September 21, when a 17-year-old girl and her 17-year-old male friend visited Kalkaji Mandir. Three men allegedly approached the teenagers, posing as policemen, and threatened the girl while separating her from her friend. They allegedly sexually assaulted the girl and threatened both her and her friend. One of the accused, identified as Asif, allegedly used a firearm and knife to threaten the girl.

All three accused were arrested within 12 hours of the incident. One of the accused, Asif, allegedly opened fire when a team attempted to intercept him, striking a bulletproof jacket of a police officer. The officer returned fire, hitting Asif in his right leg. Police are investigating whether the accused may have been involved in other similar incidents in or around Aastha Kunj Park. No other complaints related to such incidents have been received.