Concerns about women’s safety have triggered widespread student protests across several campuses in India, with demonstrations reported in Delhi and Punjab. The unrest has highlighted deep anxieties among students regarding security on and around educational institutions, while also drawing attention to the rapid spread of misinformation that has, in some cases, escalated tensions.
In the national capital, the alleged gangrape of a 17-year-old girl near Aastha Kunj Park close to Kalkaji Mandir prompted students from Lady Shri Ram College (LSR) and other Delhi University colleges to take to the streets. Protesters demanded stronger safety measures, better street lighting, increased police patrolling, functional CCTV coverage, and safer public transport. Some colleges temporarily shifted classes online in response to the incident. Students raised slogans emphasizing women’s right to freedom and safety in public spaces, opposing restrictions that place the burden of protection solely on women.
The concerns spread to Punjab, where protests erupted at two major private universities. At Chitkara University near Rajpura, unverified social media claims about missing female students sparked a late-night demonstration that turned into clashes and damage to campus property. Police and university authorities stated that no students were missing or harmed.
Shortly after, students at Lovely Professional University (LPU) in Phagwara protested over allegations of a sexual assault on campus. The demonstrations escalated into violence, with reports of vandalism, arson, and a temporary blockade of a national highway. Classes were suspended for 10 days and mid-term exams postponed. Police registered a case and formed a special investigation team, while deploying a large force to restore order. University officials denied some of the circulating claims.
Reports have noted that while genuine safety concerns exist, unverified messages and rumours circulating on social media played a significant role in fueling some of the protests, particularly in Punjab. This has led to calls for responsible information sharing alongside demands for institutional accountability.
Authorities and institutions face increasing pressure to implement stronger security protocols, improve infrastructure around campuses, and address the root causes of gender-based violence. Students continue to demand proactive measures rather than reactive responses after incidents occur.
The protests underscore the ongoing challenges of ensuring women’s safety in educational spaces and public areas across India, with National Crime Records Bureau data highlighting the scale of sexual violence reported daily.
