17-year-old allegedly gangraped in Delhi park by 3 men posing as cops; one held after encounter

A 17-year-old girl was allegedly gangraped by three men who posed as policemen at Astha Kunj Park in southeast Delhi's Kalkaji area, police said. One of the accused was subsequently apprehended after a brief exchange of fire with police, officials said.

The incident took place on Monday evening after the girl visited Kalkaji Mandir with her 17-year-old male friend. According to police, the two reached the temple at around 7pm to offer prayers and later went to Astha Kunj Park, situated between Kalkaji Mandir and the ISKCON temple, at around 7.30pm.

Teenagers allegedly threatened by men posing as policemen

Police said three men, aged between 25 and 30, approached the teenagers while they were sitting in the park and claimed to be police officers. The men allegedly threatened the two with arrest before sexually assaulting the girl.

According to police, one of the accused held the boy while the other two sexually assaulted the minor. The three men allegedly left after threatening the teenagers with arrest.

A PCR call concerning the incident was received at around 8.45pm. A police team subsequently reached the park and took the girl for a medical examination. Her statement was also recorded, police said.

CCTV footage being scanned to trace other accused

Police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

Investigators are scanning CCTV footage from the park and surrounding areas to identify and trace the remaining accused. Police are also gathering information about people who may have been present in or around the park when the alleged assault took place.

One of the accused was later apprehended following a brief exchange of fire with police, officials said. The other two accused remain at large and teams have been deployed to trace and arrest them.

“Further legal action is being taken on the basis of her statement. Efforts are on to identify and apprehend the accused,” a senior police officer said.