One of the three accused in the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Temple in south Delhi has been apprehended following a police encounter, while two others are under questioning, police confirmed on Tuesday, 22 September. The incident occurred on Monday evening and has drawn sharp attention to the safety of public spaces in the capital.

What Happened at Aastha Kunj Park

According to Joint Commissioner of Police, Police Commissioner's Secretariat-cum-Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Delhi police chief, Vijay Kumar, a PCR call was received on Monday evening regarding the incident. The victim, a 17-year-old girl from Faridabad, had visited the area with a friend, also a minor. The two first went to the Kalkaji Temple before proceeding to the adjacent Aastha Kunj Park, which police described as 'a little secluded.'

At the park, the minors were allegedly approached by three men who falsely identified themselves as police personnel, using legal and law-enforcement terminology to intimidate the victims. According to police, the accused 'caught hold of the boy' and allegedly gang-raped the girl. The complaint was filed by the victim herself. The minor has since undergone a medical examination, Vijay Kumar confirmed.

The Encounter and Arrests

One of the accused, identified as Asif, was apprehended on Tuesday morning following a police encounter. 'The names of two more people have emerged, and they are also being questioned. Further investigation into the matter is underway. Other arrests in the case will also be made soon,' Vijay Kumar told reporters.

The two individuals currently being questioned have been identified as Hemant and his brother — the latter's identity has not been disclosed by police. 'Hemant has claimed to have studied law while his brother is claiming to be a student of Bachelor of Science,' Vijay Kumar said, adding that the investigation is being conducted 'in a fair and transparent manner.'

Investigation Under Way

Police have not yet confirmed whether Hemant and his brother are associates of Asif, stating that the connection is part of the ongoing probe. The accused's tactic of impersonating law enforcement to coerce the victims has emerged as a key element of the investigation. No further details about the encounter involving Asif were immediately available.

Background and Context

The Kalkaji area, located in south Delhi, is a densely populated neighbourhood adjacent to a prominent temple complex that draws significant footfall. The Aastha Kunj Park's proximity to the temple makes the alleged incident particularly concerning for residents and civil society groups. This incident adds to a series of assault cases in Delhi's public parks that have prompted repeated calls for better lighting, CCTV coverage, and security patrolling in semi-secluded green spaces across the city.

With one accused in custody and two others under questioning, investigators are expected to file a charge sheet once all three individuals are formally arrested.