New Delhi: A Delhi court on September 24 sent three men, Asif (30), Hemant Singh (31) and Mukesh Singh (24) to 14 days of judicial custody in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Temple on September 21. The accused are next due in court on October 8.
The Incident
According to Delhi Police, the survivor had visited Kalkaji Temple with a 17-year-old male friend to mark her birthday before the two went to Aastha Kunj Park. Police allege that three men approached the pair posing as police officers, threatened them, and separated the girl from her friend before taking her to a secluded area of the park, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted between approximately 7:15 pm and 8 pm. Her friend alerted police, who launched an investigation and began searching for the accused.
Arrests
Police said Asif was arrested following an encounter in the Amar Colony area, during which he allegedly opened fire at officers attempting to apprehend him. A bullet reportedly struck a police officer’s bulletproof vest; police returned fire, injuring Asif in the leg. He was treated at a hospital before police took him into custody. Police arrested Hemant Singh and Mukesh Singh separately at their residence in Sri Niwaspuri.
Investigation Details
Police said statements from 12 witnesses have been recorded, including the survivor, her friend, security guards at the park, workers from a nearby LPG godown, and residents. Investigators are cross-referencing these accounts with CCTV footage and call-detail records. A pistol, a knife and a condom were reportedly recovered from Asif, following which police added conspiracy-related provisions to the FIR. Investigators are examining whether the alleged assault was premeditated.
Police sources also said Hemant and Mukesh allegedly washed their clothes after the incident, and that search histories and phone data may have been deleted. The phones of all three accused have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for examination. Police said explicit videos were reportedly found on Asif’s phone, and that some residents and park staff had previously accused Asif and Hemant of harassing couples in the area.
Charges
The case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, given the survivor’s age. Conspiracy-related sections have since been added.
What’s Next
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing to examine forensic, digital, and witness evidence. The accused will next appear in court on October 8. The allegations have not been proven in a trial.
