Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) suspended classes from noon on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) after a police encounter with one of the accused in the Astha Kunj Park gang-rape case took place barely 50 metres from the college’s back gate, leaving students anxious about their safety. Students said classes were also suspended on Wednesday (September 23), with some sessions shifted online.

The encounter took place near D.M. Office Road in Amar Colony. Asif, one of the three accused in the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old in Astha Kunj Park on Monday (September 21), opened fire at a police team that had intercepted him, police said. Three rounds were allegedly fired, with one bullet hitting a head constable’s bulletproof jacket. Police then fired two rounds in self-defence, one of which struck Asif in the right leg.

The proximity of the gunfire to the women’s college, barely hours after the gang rape in the nearby park, has heightened unease among students. LSR Students’ Union president Anusha Garg said that around 2,000–3,000 women students live in paying guest accommodation and other housing around Astha Kunj Park and attend the college.

Several students said their parents had asked them to return home temporarily amid safety concerns. With classes suspended or shifted online, some students were also considering leaving Delhi for the time being.

Students said they were avoiding travelling alone, particularly between the college, nearby Metro stations, and their accommodation, and were instead commuting in groups. “I live in a PG in Greater Kailash, and I was not able to travel alone from college to my PG. There was a sense of uneasiness and anxiety, and I wanted to commute in a group at least for the day,” a student told The Hindu, requesting anonymity.

The LSR Students’ Union also conducted an emergency online general body meeting on Tuesday night (September 22, 2026) to discuss students’ concerns and safety demands, including stronger security around the college perimeter.

A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by three men who posed as policemen at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi on Monday (September 21, 2026) night.

One of the accused, identified as Asif, was later injured in a police encounter after he allegedly opened fire at a police team during an attempt to arrest him.

The incident came to light around 8:45 p.m., following a distress call, after which the Amar Colony police reached Astha Kunj Park. The minor was found at the spot with her male friend, police said.

According to the girl’s statement, she and her friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir and subsequently entered Astha Kunj Park through Gate No. 7. The three accused approached them while posing as policemen, separated the girl from her friend and took her to a secluded area of the park.

One of the accused, Asif, threatened the girl with a firearm and a knife before sexually assaulting her, police said. The other two accused also sexually assaulted her. Her friend was also assaulted, and both women were also threatened by the men.

The girl was medically examined at AIIMS, while the Crime Team and FSL personnel examined the scene and collected relevant exhibits. The girl’s male friend is also being medically examined after he was allegedly assaulted by the accused, police said.

A case was registered under BNS Sections 70(2) for gang rape of a girl below 18, 61(2) for criminal conspiracy, 115(2) for voluntarily causing hurt and 351(3) for aggravated criminal intimidation, along with Sections 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act, relating to aggravated penetrative sexual assault and abetment, respectively.

The incident comes amid a spate of sexual offences against minor girls reported in Delhi in recent days. On September 10, a 16-year-old girl was gang-raped and killed in Swaroop Nagar; her body was found in a field on the intervening night of September 12 and 13, and four persons, including three juveniles, were apprehended in the case. On September 16, a minor girl was sexually assaulted inside a shop in Sadar Bazar after she went out to buy stationery. On September 21, a six-year-old girl was sexually assaulted in Kishanganj, with a 34-year-old man taken into custody.

Police formed several teams to trace the accused following the registration of the case. One of the team’s subsequently received information about Asif’s movement near DM Office Road in Amar Colony.

The police team laid a trap and intercepted the accused, who allegedly opened fire at the police personnel. According to the police, Asif fired three rounds despite being asked to surrender.

During the exchange of fire, one of the bullets struck the bullet-proof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh. The officer then fired two rounds in self-defence, one of which hit Asif in his right leg, police said.

The injured accused was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. The Crime Team and FSL Team were also called to the encounter spot and further legal proceedings are underway.

The police continue to trace the two other accused.