A student of South Asian University in Delhi has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by four men on a deserted stretch of the campus, The Indian Express reported citing a first information report registered on Tuesday.

The alleged assault took place on Sunday.

In her complaint, the student said she had received threatening emails and messages on WhatsApp and Telegram, warning that a photograph of hers that was morphed to appear nude would be circulated if she did not meet the accused persons near Gate 3 of the campus.

Following this, she went to an area that is “dark and empty at night” at around 8 pm, she said. The student alleged that she was approached by a security guard who made a call, prompting three other men to reach the spot.

“One grabbed my T-shirt and tried to pull it up,” The Indian Express quoted her as saying in her complaint. “Someone hit my thigh. They tried to drag me to an empty room. One of them covered my eyes.”

She added that one of them hit her face as the accused persons fled when they heard the sound of a food cart.

According to the police, a call from other students was received at around 3 pm the following day, PTI reported.

One of those named in the FIR is a non-teaching employee, The Indian Express quoted the police as saying.

In her statement to the police, the student alleged that the hostel staff discouraged her from calling the police or informing her family. She also alleged that a guard “physically covered” her phone while she tried to video call her parents.

“The warden said to change my clothes and have a bath, everything will be fine,” The Indian Express quoted the student as having alleged in the FIR. “They said they will call the PRO and handle it internally.”

The student’s uncle, who is her guardian, told the newspaper that he found out about the assault only when classmates told him about it.

According to The Indian Express, a purported message from the hostel’s warden to him read: “I would like to inform you that your daughter has had a panic attack and is trying to hurt herself. The campus medical doctor has advised that she be taken to the hospital. We have already informed and called her local guardian.”

On Tuesday, the university issued a statement condemning the “alleged act of sexual violence” and said it stands in solidarity with the complainant.

“We stand with our students, and assure them of our full support,” the university added. “SAU has a zero-tolerance policy on Sexual Harassment and all forms of violence against women. We strongly condemn, and stand in support, and solidarity!”

The alleged assault sparked widespread protests on campus, with at least 100 students launching a sit-in demonstration inside the main administrative building, The Indian Express reported.

The protesting students have demanded the suspension of the hostel warden and an inquiry committee that includes students to be set up.

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