Three Men Posing as Policemen Arrested in Kalkaji Gangrape Case

Three men have been arrested in connection with the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi, police said on Tuesday. The accused allegedly posed as police officers before threatening the teenager and her 17-year-old male friend. A case has been registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

According to the police, the teenager had visited Kalkaji Mandir with her friend at around 7 pm on Monday to offer prayers. After the temple visit, the two went to Astha Kunj Park, located near the Kalkaji Mandir and ISKCON temple, at around 7.30 pm. They were sitting on a bench when three men approached them and allegedly claimed to be policemen.

The suspects, identified as Asif, Hemant and Mukesh, allegedly intimidated the teenagers by threatening them with police action. According to investigators, the men used the false identity of police officers to gain control over the two. One of the accused allegedly restrained the girl’s friend while the other two sexually assaulted the teenager.

Police said the accused allegedly used a knife and firearm to threaten the victims during the incident. After the alleged assault, the men reportedly warned the teenagers that they would be arrested and then left the park.

A PCR call concerning the incident was received at around 8.45 pm. A police team subsequently reached the location and the girl was taken for a medical examination. Her statement was recorded, following which the police registered a case and launched an investigation. Officers also examined CCTV footage from the park and surrounding areas to trace the suspects and establish the sequence of events.

One of the accused, Asif, was arrested following an exchange of fire with police near DM Office Road in Amar Colony. According to police, Asif allegedly fired three rounds at officers attempting to apprehend him. One bullet reportedly struck the bulletproof jacket of head constable Rajesh. The officer then allegedly fired in self-defence, injuring Asif in the right leg. He was subsequently taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.

Police later arrested Hemant and Mukesh, who were identified as brothers. Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the accused’s movements before and after the alleged crime.