Full Breakdown
Gang-rape at Aastha Kunj Park sparks city-wide safety audit
By Drooid · · How we work
The crime and immediate police response
On the evening of September 21 2026, a 17-year-old girl from Faridabad and her friend entered Aastha Kunj Park through Gate 7. Three men—Asif, his brother Hemant Singh and Mukesh Singh—claimed to be policemen, separated the girl, and assaulted her for about 40 minutes before fleeing. A PCR call was logged at 8:45 pm, prompting the SHO of Amar Colony police station to reach the park. The victims were rescued, taken to AIIMS for examination and an FIR was filed under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.
Investigation and arrests
Police traced Asif to DM Office Road. During a trap he opened fire, wounding Head Constable Rajesh’s bullet-proof jacket; police returned fire, injuring Asif’s right leg. He was taken to AIIMS Trauma Centre. The brothers were arrested on September 22 2026 and placed in judicial custody. Forensic analysis found pornographic material on Asif’s phone and deleted media on the brothers’ phones. Call-detail records and CCTV placed all three near the park at the time of the crime.
Background: security gaps in Aastha Kunj Park
Aastha Kunj Park covers roughly 140 acres and has 29 entry points. Past incidents—including a June 2025 attack on walkers—highlight longstanding security deficiencies. Residents report inadequate lighting, unmanned gates and limited CCTV; a guard noted only a single guard was present at the gate nearest the crime scene that night. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) says nine guards are deployed per shift, but police observations noted only two guards at the main entrances during the incident.
Official statements & responses
- Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu directed a comprehensive safety audit of all Delhi parks within one week, emphasizing improved lighting, security, regular patrolling and cleanliness, and ordered deployment of Pink Police personnel around park premises.
- Delhi Police Commissioner Anurang Kumar confirmed the audit directive and highlighted the need to strengthen beat patrolling after sunset.
Conflicting reports & gaps
- Guard numbers: Police on the ground reported only two guards at the relevant gates, while DDA officials claim 27 guards work in three shifts, with nine on duty at any time.
- CCTV coverage: Police noted the absence of functional cameras inside the park; DDA later acknowledged many cameras are dysfunctional but argued that installing cameras at every spot is “not practical”.
- Prior incidents: Police have no formal complaints linking the accused to earlier assaults, though sources claim the men were “regulars” at the park and had previously harassed couples, a claim the investigation has yet to substantiate.
Verbatim quote
- “A PCR call was received at 8:45 pm on Monday regarding a 17-year-old girl from Faridabad who had come here with her 17-year-old male friend. They first went to the temple to offer prayers and then to the Aastha Kunj Park, towards a somewhat secluded area.” — Anurang Kumar, Delhi police commissioner
What’s next
The audit ordered by the Lieutenant Governor must be submitted within a week. It will assess lighting, security-personnel deployment at all entry and exit points, patrolling after sunset, and cleanliness. The DDA and Municipal Corporation of Delhi have been asked to explore partnerships with resident-welfare associations, private entities and local educational institutions for long-term upkeep. Deployment of Pink Police personnel around park perimeters is also slated to begin imminently.