Several Delhi University women students held a midnight protest march on Tuesday night after the alleged gang-rape of a 16-year-old girl on a bus she boarded in Greater Noida. Organised by the Students’ Federation of India under its “Reclaim the Night” campaign, the march focused on women’s safety and freedom. The protesters demanded safer public spaces instead of restrictions on women’s movement after dark. The demonstration also included the release of SFI’s Women Students’ Manifesto ahead of the Delhi University Students’ Union elections.Why Did DU Students March?The midnight march was organised to protest the alleged sexual assault and highlight concerns about women’s safety in public spaces and educational institutions. Students argued that safety measures should focus on preventing violence and improving security rather than limiting women’s freedom through curfews or restrictions.Students marched under the “Reclaim the Night” campaign.The protest followed the alleged assault of a 16-year-old girl.Protesters demanded safer public spaces for women.Students opposed restrictions on women’s movement after dark.SFI released its Women Students’ Manifesto during the protest.Greater Noida Case Sparks OutrageThe protest followed reports that a 16-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted by a bus driver and conductor after boarding a sleeper bus in Greater Noida on August 4. The girl was later reportedly abandoned near Delhi’s Kashmere Gate bus terminal. Police have arrested the two accused, while the investigation into the case continues.The National Human Rights Commission has also taken suo motu cognisance of the reported incident. On September 1, the NHRC issued notices to the police commissioners of Delhi and Gautam Buddh Nagar and the Mainpuri Superintendent of Police, seeking detailed reports on the investigation and any compensation provided to the victim.Also Read: Delhi Tightens Bus Safety Rules After Minor Gang-Rape Case Raises Serious Safety ConcernsStudents Seek Safer CampusesAlong with protesting the incident, SFI used the march to highlight wider concerns about women’s safety at Delhi University. Its Women Students’ Manifesto calls for safer and affordable women’s hostels without discriminatory curfews, functional Internal Complaints Committees with student representation and better emergency support systems.The manifesto also seeks the deployment of women police personnel on campuses, regular independent safety audits and stronger action against gender-based harassment and moral policing. It proposes voting rights for students of all women’s colleges in DUSU elections and 50 per cent reservation for women among union office-bearers.Key HighlightsDU students held a midnight “Reclaim the Night” protest.The march followed an alleged gang-rape involving a 16-year-old girl.Students demanded safer public spaces without restricting women’s freedom.SFI released its Women Students’ Manifesto ahead of DUSU elections.The manifesto seeks stronger campus safety and emergency systems.NHRC has sought reports from police authorities on the reported assault.Safety And Freedom DebateThe midnight march has brought renewed attention to women’s safety in Delhi-NCR and the need for stronger safeguards in public transport and educational spaces. Students are calling for security measures that allow women to travel and study freely rather than requiring them to stay indoors after dark. Meanwhile, the Greater Noida case remains under investigation, with authorities facing demands for accountability and stronger protection for women and girls.Disclaimer: This article is provided for knowledge and news-information purposes only. The allegations relating to the criminal case are reported as allegations, and the investigation and legal proceedings remain ongoing.
