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Delhi women students decry safety failures amid victim-blaming by police

Delhi University students and faculty have raised alarm over women's safety in the capital, citing instances of victim-blaming by police when reporting crimes. The concerns come following a recent case that prompted demonstrations on campus.

LSN India · 30 September 2026

Delhi women students decry safety failures amid victim-blaming by police

Women students at Delhi University have voiced growing concerns about their safety in the capital, highlighting instances where police officers have blamed victims rather than investigating crimes against them. The issue came to the fore when a female student who approached police for assistance was subjected to disparaging remarks about her clothing choices, drawing criticism of official negligence in handling women's safety cases.

Students and faculty members have begun openly discussing the constraints and fears that characterize daily life for women in Delhi. According to accounts from university members, women navigate the city under constant restrictions, with concerns about assault and harassment shaping their mobility and freedoms.

The recent Aastha Kunj case has intensified scrutiny of law enforcement responses to crimes against women. Campus activists argue that victim-blaming attitudes within the police force undermine reporting mechanisms and prevent women from seeking help when needed. The incidents highlight a disconnect between official safety assurances and the ground realities experienced by women residents.

The student demonstrations reflect broader frustration with systemic approaches to women's safety in Delhi. Participants have called for greater accountability within law enforcement and institutional changes to ensure that victims are protected rather than judged for circumstances beyond their control.