Delhi: Three men accused of gangraping a 17-year-old girl at Delhi’s Astha Kunj Park allegedly followed her and her friend for nearly a kilometre before taking her to different secluded spots inside the park, police said.
The incident took place between 7:15 pm and 8 pm on Monday, when the girl and her 17-year-old friend visited the park after offering prayers at Kalkaji Mandir on her 17th birthday.
According to police, the two entered the park through Gate No. 7 when the accused spotted them. The accused allegedly followed them for nearly a kilometre before confronting them.
“They followed them for nearly a kilometer and then confronted them. They threatened the duo by posing as police personnel and warned them of registering a case against them,” another senior officer said.
Police said the accused then allegedly separated the girl from her friend. One of the accused, identified as Asif, allegedly threatened them with a knife and a firearm before the three men took the girl to different secluded locations inside the park.
According to police, the accused allegedly took turns sexually assaulting the girl at different locations. While one allegedly assaulted her, another kept watch. Police said the men also called each other on their mobile phones after one had finished, asking the other to come to the location.
Three Accused Arrested
The accused have been identified as Asif, Hemant and Mahesh. Asif, around 32, is a vegetable wholesaler who works at Sriniwaspuri mandi and lives in Tughlakabad. Police said he is married and has a 13-year-old daughter.
Hemant, around 24, is an advocate, while his brother Mahesh, also around 24, is a final-year BSc Mathematics student. Police said Asif has known the two brothers for around four years.
Police arrested all three accused. One of them was injured in retaliatory firing after allegedly opening fire at a police team early Tuesday, officials said. All three have been sent to judicial custody. Police are likely to seek their custody after completing certain parts of the technical investigation.
Police Scan 300 CCTV Cameras
The girl’s statement helped investigators identify the accused. Police said she was able to recall their physical descriptions, nicknames, complexion and clothes. Investigators scanned footage from more than 300 CCTV cameras installed in and around the park and along routes leading to and from the area.
Police shortlisted around 20 people before technical surveillance and local intelligence helped them identify the three accused, who are locals and allegedly frequent visitors to the park. Investigators are now examining the accused’s mobile phones, contacts and other technical evidence to reconstruct their movements before and after the incident.
Police Suspect Earlier Incidents
The investigation has also raised suspicion that the accused may have been involved in similar incidents at the park in the past. Police are checking their criminal records and previous activities to verify these allegations.
According to police sources, no formal complaint regarding any earlier incident had been received. Investigators suspect that some victims may not have approached the police due to fear of social stigma.
Police are also examining Hemant’s alleged past conduct at a gym. A senior police officer said he was removed from the gym around a month ago after its management allegedly received several complaints from women about his behaviour.
Police are investigating whether those complaints have any connection with the present case.
Officials also said Hemant and Mahesh showed “no remorse” during their initial questioning.
Security At Astha Kunj Park Under Scanner
After the alleged assault, the three accused fled from the park. The girl and her friend managed to leave the area and called the police control room using the boy’s phone. They were near Gate No. 7 when a police team reached them. A senior officer said no security guard could be found at the spot at that time. Police are now examining the deployment of security guards and the overall security arrangements at the park. Investigators have also flagged inadequate lighting and the absence of CCTV cameras at the location where the alleged sexual assault took place.
Police are continuing to investigate the case and are checking the accused’s previous activities and possible links to other incidents.
(With Inputs from PTI)