Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; New Delhi, September 22: The case of alleged gang rape of a minor has been reported in southeast Delhi, where three men allegedly posed as police personnel and assaulted a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir. The incident took place on Monday evening, September 21, after the girl had visited Kalkaji Mandir with a male friend. Delhi Police subsequently launched an investigation, and one of the accused, identified as Asif, was arrested early Tuesday following an exchange of fire with a police team. The search for the other two accused is continuing. 

The police, the girl and her 17-year-old friend had gone to Kalkaji Mandir at around 7 pm on Monday to offer prayers. After visiting the temple, they went to the nearby Aastha Kunj Park at approximately 7:30 pm. The park is located close to Kalkaji Mandir and the ISKCON Temple. While the two were in the park, three men, believed to be between 25 and 30 years old, allegedly approached them and claimed that they were policemen. 

The men allegedly intimidated the teenager and her friend by claiming police authority and threatening them with legal action. According to the complaint and police account, the accused then allegedly separated the girl from her friend. One of the men allegedly held the girl's friend while the others sexually assaulted the teenager. Reports also state that one of the accused allegedly threatened the victims with a firearm and a knife during the incident. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and will be subject to the legal process.

The Delhi Police received a PCR call regarding the alleged incident at around 8:45 pm. A police team subsequently reached Aastha Kunj Park and found the girl and her friend. The teenager was rescued and taken for a medical examination. Her statement was recorded by the police, and further legal action was initiated on the basis of the complaint and the evidence collected during the investigation. 

Following the complaint, investigators began examining CCTV footage from the park and surrounding areas to identify the suspects and reconstruct the sequence of events. Police teams also gathered information from people who may have been present in or around the park at the time. Since the survivor is a minor, a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with other applicable sections of law. 

The investigation subsequently led police to one of the suspects, identified as Asif. During an operation in the Amar Colony area of southeast Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday, police said the suspect opened fire at officers attempting to intercept him. According to police, three rounds were fired by Asif. During the exchange of fire, a bullet struck Head Constable Rajesh's bulletproof vest, after which the officer returned fire and Asif was hit in the right leg. He was subsequently taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for medical treatment. 

The police have continued efforts to locate the remaining two accused. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, collecting witness information and carrying out searches in areas where the suspects may have gone following the alleged incident. Officials have also been examining evidence from the encounter site as part of the investigation. 

The case has drawn attention because the accused allegedly used their claimed identity as police officers to intimidate the teenager and her friend. Police are investigating the circumstances in which the men approached the two teenagers and the sequence of events inside the park. The identities and roles of all three suspects are being established as the investigation progresses.

Authorities have emphasised that the case involves a minor and that the investigation is being conducted under the provisions of the POCSO Act. The survivor has undergone medical examination, while police teams are working to collect documentary, forensic and electronic evidence relevant to the case. The remaining accused are yet to be apprehended, and the investigation remains ongoing. 

The incident comes amid reports of several cases involving minors in Delhi in recent weeks. However, the present case is being investigated separately, and the allegations against the three accused will be determined through the legal process. Police are continuing their search for the two absconding suspects while the arrested accused remains under medical care following the reported gunfight with the police.