Delhi Park Rape Case: Police Suspect Crime Was Pre-Planned
Accused allegedly posed as policemen, followed the minor and later tried to destroy evidence; phones sent for forensic examination
- Police suspect the alleged crime at Astha Kunj Park may have been pre-planned.
- One accused allegedly posed as a policeman before separating the minor from her friend.
- Police are examining deleted search histories and forensic data from the accused’s phones.
- Investigators are checking the accused’s past records for possible links to earlier incidents.
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th Sept: Police suspect that the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Delhi’s Astha Kunj Park was pre-planned, with investigators examining the activities and past records of the three accused arrested in the case.
One of the accused, identified as Asif, 32, a vegetable wholesaler, allegedly lived near the park and frequently visited secluded areas in and around the location, according to officials. Investigators suspect him of being the main planner of the alleged crime.
Police reportedly recovered a pistol, a knife and condoms from Asif during the investigation. His mobile phone allegedly contained pornographic videos. The phones of all three accused have been sent for forensic examination.
The other accused have been identified as Hemant, 24, who is reportedly an advocate, and his brother Mahesh, 24, a final-year BSc Mathematics student. Investigators said the two allegedly deleted their search histories, prompting police to examine their devices for possible evidence.
How the incident allegedly unfolded
According to the investigation, the incident occurred earlier this week when the minor girl and her 17-year-old friend visited Astha Kunj Park after offering prayers at Kalkaji Mandir on her birthday.
The two reportedly entered the park through Gate No. 7, where the accused allegedly noticed them and followed them for nearly a kilometre.
The accused trio allegedly approached the two teenagers while posing as police personnel. According to sources, they reportedly used terms such as “sir” while addressing the girl’s friend to reinforce the impression that they were police officers.
The accused allegedly separated the girl from her friend and took her to secluded parts of the park. Police allege that the girl was subsequently sexually assaulted.
After the alleged assault, the accused reportedly threatened the girl against approaching the police before leaving the area. The girl and her friend subsequently managed to leave the park and contact the police.
Police examine alleged attempt to destroy evidence
Investigators suspect that the accused attempted to destroy evidence following the alleged incident. Sources said the three men went to a nearby location for food before returning to their residence in Srinivaspuri, where they allegedly washed their clothes.
Police are also examining the accused’s movements and communications before and after the incident.
The three accused are reportedly childhood friends. Investigators are examining whether their previous activities could indicate involvement in other incidents in the park.
According to police, Hemant was allegedly removed from a gym around a month ago after its management received complaints from women regarding his behaviour, PTI reported, citing a senior police officer.
Probe into possible previous incidents
Police are checking the criminal records and past activities of all three accused to determine whether they may have been involved in similar incidents earlier.
Investigators are also relying on forensic examination of the accused’s mobile phones and other material collected during the probe.
Police officials said the accused have shown “no remorse” during questioning, while the investigation into the circumstances of the alleged crime and the possibility of prior offences continues.
