Delhi rape case: Accused was removed from gym after women complained of misbehaviour

One of the three men accused of allegedly gang-raping a 17-year-old girl at Delhi's Astha Kunj Park had reportedly been removed from a gym about a month ago after several women complained about his behaviour, police said.

Hemant, 24, who is reportedly an advocate, is among the three accused arrested in connection with the case. PTI, quoting a senior police officer, reported that the gym management had received complaints from women about his conduct before removing him.

The development has emerged as investigators examine the backgrounds and previous activities of the three accused, who police said have been childhood friends.

Police suspect accused knew the park well

Asif, 32, a vegetable wholesaler who police consider the alleged mastermind, lived near Astha Kunj Park, close to Kalkaji Mandir. Officials suspect he may have been familiar with secluded parts of the park and may have planned the crime.

During the investigation, police reportedly recovered a pistol, a knife and condoms from his possession. His phone was also found to contain several pornographic videos.

The other accused, Hemant and his brother Mahesh, 24, a final-year BSc Mathematics student, allegedly deleted their search histories. Their phones, along with those of the other accused, have been sent for forensic examination.

Trio allegedly posed as police officers

According to the investigation, the girl and her 17-year-old friend had gone to Astha Kunj Park after visiting Kalkaji Mandir on the girl's 17th birthday.

Police sources said the accused followed the two teenagers after they entered the park through Gate No. 7. They allegedly approached them while pretending to be police personnel and used words such as 'sir' to make the claim appear credible.

The accused allegedly separated the girl from her friend and took her to secluded parts of the park, where she was sexually assaulted. Police said the men allegedly threatened the girl and her friend before leaving.

The two teenagers later managed to get out of the park and contacted police.

Clothes allegedly washed after crime

Investigators suspect the accused attempted to destroy evidence after the incident. Sources said the three went to a nearby place for food before returning to their home in Srinivaspuri, where they allegedly washed their clothes.

Police are also examining whether the accused could have been involved in earlier incidents at the park. Their criminal records and past activities are being checked.

During questioning, police said the three accused have shown "no remorse".