South Asian University Suspends Hostel Staff Amid Student Protests Over Gang Rape

New Delhi: Amid intensifying student-led protests at the South Asian University (SAU), the administration on Thursday suspended two members of its women’s hostel staff — the warden and caretaker — following serious allegations of mishandling a gang rape complaint lodged by a first-year undergraduate student. The disciplinary action comes after four consecutive days of demonstrations by the Students Federation of India (SFI) who have accused the university of suppressing the incident and displaying administrative apathy.

The 18-year-old student from Bihar, was attacked on the university campus in New Delhi late on October 13. According to the police First Information Report (FIR), the complainant has named four individuals — including a security guard, a construction worker, and two students — who, she alleges, forcibly attempted to undress her, tore her clothing, administered a contraceptive pill against her will, and threatened her with the circulation of morphed, sexually explicit images if she did not comply with their demands.

The incident came to light only after sustained pressure from the student body, after the university failed to inform law enforcement in a timely manner. A Police Control Room (PCR) call was made on the afternoon of October 14, nearly 12 hours after the assault. The formal registration of the FIR occurred the following day, triggering widespread criticism of the administration’s response to the complaint.

Students allege that the initial response by the hostel authorities was dismissive and deeply insensitive. The warden, Associate Professor Rinku Devi Gupta, allegedly told the complainant to “bathe and change clothes”. When the complainant pointed out that her clothes had been torn during the assault, the warden reportedly stated that “it looked like she tore them herself.” The student was allegedly denied immediate medical attention, and attempts to contact her mother were obstructed. Hostel staff reportedly prevented her from speaking to her family on a video call and insisted that she had only suffered a “panic attack,” not an assault.

The university’s caretaker, Anupama Arora, has also been suspended pending the completion of an internal inquiry. The decision was announced after students continued their sit-in protest outside the university's administrative block for the fourth day. Kajori Bhatnagar, currently an assistant warden, has been given interim charge.

Students protesting on campus have demanded a transparent and time-bound inquiry, the inclusion of student representatives in the investigation process, and accountability for the perceived negligence on the part of university officials. They have also called for the resignation of those responsible for mishandling the case, and a broader overhaul of campus safety measures in line with the Vishaka Guidelines and the University Grants Commission’s regulations on sexual harassment.

The university, which is administered under the aegis of the Ministry of External Affairs as a SAARC-affiliated institution, issued a statement asserting its “zero tolerance for sexual harassment and violence.” The administration further stated that it is cooperating with police investigations and is committed to supporting the survivor throughout the legal process.

However, student representatives say the administration’s actions are reactive rather than preventive. “If students had not protested, the FIR would never have been filed. The university was clearly trying to suppress the incident to avoid bad press,” said a protesting student who requested anonymity. “This is not just about one case; this is about institutional negligence and a broken redressal mechanism.”

As for the investigation, Delhi Police have begun reviewing CCTV footage from across the campus and are in the process of verifying the movements of the complainant and the accused. Over 60 campus guards and other personnel have been questioned. Police sources indicate that they are also analysing threatening emails and messages received by the complainant in the days leading up to the attack. The emails — allegedly from one of the accused — demanded that she meet at a pre-decided location, failing which explicit, digitally altered photos would be circulated online.

No arrests have been made so far. Police officials say that digital forensic evidence is being gathered and that the case remains under active investigation. Forensic analysis of clothing and medical evidence has also been initiated.

The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) issued a statement calling the incident a "disgrace" and blamed the union government for failing to uphold safety and justice on campuses. They have demanded immediate arrests and criminal action against all those involved, including university staff found guilty of negligence.

Student of the institution point to the structural limitations of SAU’s unique administrative status — governed as an international university under the SAARC charter — as contributing to its lack of accountability.

Despite formal assurances from the university, students have continued their protest, against the institutional failures in addressing sexual violence and ensuring student safety. Demonstrators have vowed to continue until concrete institutional reforms are implemented, including safety audits, improved complaint redressal systems, and a pledge that no student will face retaliation for speaking out.

The internal inquiry committee, constituted by the university earlier this week, is expected to submit its preliminary findings in the coming days. However, student leaders have expressed concern over the lack of independent oversight or student representation in the panel. Meanwhile, classes at the university have been disrupted, and a section of faculty members have expressed support for the students’ demands in an internal petition.