Congress leader Abhishek Dutt on Wednesday, 23 September sharply criticised the security situation for women in Delhi, saying that Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) shifting to online classes over safety concerns sends a 'clear message' that women are not safe in the national capital. His remarks came in direct response to the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park in Delhi.

LSR's Decision and What Triggered It

Lady Shri Ram College for Women cancelled in-person classes on Tuesday and moved to online mode for Wednesday, citing student safety as its top priority following the alleged rape of a minor at a park in the vicinity. The college administration's decision drew widespread attention given LSR's stature as one of India's most prestigious institutions.

'When LSR College shifts classes online over women's safety, it sends a clear message that women are not safe in Delhi,' Dutt said. He stressed the symbolic weight of the move, noting that LSR's alumni are spread across the country and that such a step from a globally recognised college carries significant implications.

Congress Attacks Policing Gaps in Delhi

Dutt pointed to what he described as a fundamental breakdown in law enforcement, alleging that the accused in the minor's case had posed as police officers. 'The way several private individuals were seen carrying police batons at Jantar Mantar shows that the fear of the law has disappeared from the minds of criminals,' he said.

He further alleged that a large share of Delhi Police personnel are deployed for VIP security, leaving ordinary citizens under-protected. 'Most Delhi Police officers are deployed for the security of VIPs, while the safety of ordinary people is being neglected,' Dutt said.

Congress Questions LG's 'Pink Force' Proposal

Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Tuesday directed the police to set up a dedicated 'Pink Force' on the lines of the Goa Police model, with women personnel deployed at identified hotspots, particularly during vulnerable hours. The directive was issued against the backdrop of four separate cases of alleged rape or sexual assault involving minors reported across Delhi in roughly 10 days.

Dutt was dismissive of the proposal. 'The LG makes political statements. First, the LG should tell us how many women personnel are there in the Delhi Police,' he said, adding that there is reportedly a shortage of around 12,000 security personnel in the force. He also alleged that at least 50 police personnel remain deployed at the LG's residence alone.

Call to Review VIP Security Cover

Dutt demanded an immediate review of police deployments with elected officials and leaders across party lines. 'The LG should immediately review the security provided to all MPs, MLAs, former MLAs and BJP leaders in Delhi, where anywhere between two and 50 police personnel have been deployed with them,' he said. His argument: resources diverted to political figures leave ordinary Delhiites exposed.

The back-to-back incidents and LSR's precautionary shutdown are likely to intensify demands for a structural overhaul of women's safety infrastructure in the capital, with the opposition pushing for accountability before any new task force is operationalised.