Minor gang-raped at Delhi park by men posing as police; accused shot in encounter

A 17-year-old girl was sexually assaulted by three men who posed as policemen at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi on Monday night, police said. One of the accused was later injured in an encounter with a police team attempting to arrest him.

The incident came to light around 8:45 p.m. after a distress call, following which personnel from the Amar Colony police station reached the park. The minor was found at the spot with her male friend.

In her statement, the girl said she and her friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir and then entered the park through Gate No. 7. The three accused approached them claiming to be policemen, separated the girl from her friend and took her to a secluded part of the park.

One of the accused, identified as Asif, allegedly threatened the girl with a firearm and a knife before sexually assaulting her, police said. The other two also sexually assaulted her. Her friend was assaulted as well, and the men threatened both of them.

The girl was medically examined at AIIMS. A crime team and Forensic Science Laboratory personnel inspected the scene and collected exhibits. The girl's male friend is also being medically examined in connection with the assault on him.

A case has been registered under BNS Sections 70(2) (gang rape of a girl below 18), 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), 115(2) (voluntarily causing hurt) and 351(3) (aggravated criminal intimidation), along with Sections 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act, pertaining to aggravated penetrative sexual assault and abetment.

The case comes amid a string of sexual offences against minor girls reported in Delhi in recent days. On September 10, a 16-year-old was gang-raped and killed in Swaroop Nagar; her body was found in a field on the intervening night of September 12 and 13, and four persons, including three juveniles, were apprehended. On September 16, a minor was sexually assaulted inside a shop in Sadar Bazar after she went out to buy stationery. On September 21, a six-year-old was sexually assaulted in Kishanganj, and a 34-year-old man was taken into custody.

After the case was registered, police formed multiple teams to trace the accused. One team received information that Asif was moving near DM Office Road in Amar Colony. The team laid a trap and intercepted him, and he allegedly opened fire at the personnel, firing three rounds despite being asked to surrender, police said.

During the exchange of fire, one bullet struck the bullet-proof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh. The officer fired two rounds in self-defence, one of which hit Asif in the right leg, according to police. The injured accused was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. A crime team and FSL personnel were called to the encounter site, and further legal proceedings are underway. Police are still tracing the two other accused.