"Matter will be investigated; culprits will be taken to their task": SAU Emeritus Professor on alleged sexual assault case

New Delhi [India], October 14 (ANI): Emeritus Professor at South Asian University (SAU), SP Aggarwal, has expressed deep concern over an alleged sexual assault incident on campus, assuring students and parents that strict action will be taken if the allegations are substantiated.
He added that the administration was informed of the incident on the afternoon of October 13 and promptly contacted the police, who have begun an investigation.
Speaking to ANI, SP Aggarwal said, "The whole SAU community condemns this incident, if it has happened. The matter is under investigation. The police have already registered the FIR. Our committee is also looking at the matter very seriously. Once we identify the culprit, immediate action will be taken... We became aware of this incident yesterday afternoon and immediately contacted the police. They have registered the FIR, and the investigation is on. Matter will be investigated and culprits will be taken to their task, if it has happened."
Aggarwal emphasised that students and parents are being provided with full assurances regarding safety, and all steps are being taken in accordance with the law.
"It is the assurance from the management and the whole community of the SAU... The administration is concerned, and we are providing assurances to students and parents in all forms. Everything will be done in accordance with the law. We are investigating the matter," he added.
Students at South Asian University (SAU) on Tuesday staged a protest outside the administrative block, demanding the suspension of wardens over their alleged delayed action in a sexual assault case. They are also seeking representation of students in the university's internal investigative committee.
The Delhi Police registered an FIR late on Monday night and launched a probe. As per initial reports, four men allegedly attempted to sexually assault a student on the SAU campus in Delhi.
Students at the university alleged that the administration tried to suppress the matter. They staged an eight-hour protest on Monday night and dispersed only after the FIR was registered.
On Tuesday, the students again gathered outside the administrative block, pressing for the suspension of wardens. They claimed that classes in several departments have been boycotted in solidarity with the survivor.
"We left around 5 am after the FIR was registered. Now we are gathering again. Yesterday, we submitted a memorandum with three demands, one of them, the FIR, has been met. We now want the wardens suspended," a student, who did not wish to be identified, told ANI.
The student added, "We also want two student representatives included in the investigative committee to ensure that the case is handled with utmost care."
When asked about their demand for suspension of wardens, students alleged that the incident occurred on Sunday night, but the wardens tried to silence the survivor and questioned her about why she was out late.
"She (the victim) was told to take a bath, and they were trying to remove evidence. She was not taken to the hospital, and the police were not called. It was only when her friends called the PCR that she was taken to a hospital," another student claimed.
Visuals from the campus showed students gathered outside the administrative block of the university, holding a peaceful protest.
On Monday night, the university, in a short statement, said that the administration is extending full support to the police.
"The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, and the administration is extending full cooperation to the investigating authorities," the university said.
According to the Delhi Police, a call was received at the Maidan Garhi police station around 3 pm on Monday. "The call was made by somebody known to the student," said DCP (South) Ankit Chauhan. (ANI)