The Hyderabad Police on Saturday arrested four minors for allegedly attempting to rape a 19-year-old student in a restricted area near the University of Hyderabad campus, The Times of India reported.

The woman and her friend were chatting when the four assailants, who had reportedly entered the campus to steal copper wires, attempted to rob them. When the two refused to hand over their mobile phones and money, they reportedly tried to rape her and tore her clothes, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Madhapur Zone) Vishwa Prasad told reporters. The four beat up the woman’s friend and even tried to strangle him with a belt, the police officer added.

The woman and her friend managed to escape and alerted the college administration. Soon, the police reached the spot and used sniffer dogs to track down the suspected assailants.

“The incident took place outside the campus area,” University of Hyderabad spokesperson Vinod Pavarala told The News Minute. “It is a restricted area. We don’t want to blame anyone. The university offers all the help required for the injured.”