Delhi Police have arrested three men Asif, Hemant Singh and Mukesh Singh in connection with the alleged gangrape of a 17 year old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi.
According to police, the incident took place on the evening of September 21 after the teenager and her 17 year old male friend visited Kalkaji Mandir and later entered the park.
Accused allegedly posed as police officers
- Police said the three men allegedly approached the teenagers inside the park and claimed to be police personnel. They allegedly threatened the two with legal action before separating the girl from her friend.
- According to investigators, the girl was allegedly taken towards a secluded part of the park. Police said Asif allegedly threatened her with a firearm and knife, while the other two accused were also allegedly involved in the sexual assault.
Police allege accused took turns
- Investigators said the accused allegedly moved the girl to a secluded area and that the three men allegedly took turns assaulting her.
- Police reports also state that one of the accused allegedly restrained or kept watch over the girl’s male friend while the others assaulted her. The exact individual roles of the accused remain part of the investigation.
Three accused arrested
- Police identified the accused as Asif, Hemant Singh and Mukesh Singh. Hemant and Mukesh are brothers, according to police and media reports.
- Police said Asif was arrested following an exchange of fire near the Amar Colony area. According to police, he allegedly fired three rounds at a police team when officers attempted to apprehend him. One bullet reportedly hit a police officer’s bulletproof jacket, after which police fired in response and Asif was injured in the leg. A firearm was recovered, police said.
- Hemant and Mukesh were subsequently arrested from their residence, according to police.
CCTV and technical evidence examined
- Police teams examined CCTV footage from the park and surrounding areas, along with technical information and statements from the survivor and her friend.
- Investigators reportedly used descriptions of the suspects, including their clothing, appearance and escape route, to identify them. Police said the investigation and arrests were carried out within hours of the incident.
Security concerns at Aastha Kunj Park
- The case has also raised concerns about security at Aastha Kunj Park.
- Investigators found that some CCTV cameras at the park’s entry and exit points were not operational. Reports also indicate poor lighting, unmanned gates and damaged portions of the boundary wall in some areas.
- Following the incident, authorities have begun examining security arrangements and patrolling at the park.
Case registered under BNS and POCSO
- Police registered a case under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to gangrape, criminal conspiracy, causing hurt and criminal intimidation. Relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act have also been invoked because the survivor is a minor.
- The investigation is continuing, with police examining forensic evidence, CCTV footage and the individual roles of the accused.
