Delhi Police nab key accused Asif after he opens fire during interception in Amar Colony; two other suspects still absconding as investigation intensifies

New Delhi: Three men allegedly posed as police officers and gang-raped a 17-year-old girl inside Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi on Monday evening. Police arrested one of the accused, identified as Asif, early Tuesday after he allegedly opened fire at a police team in the Amar Colony area. Police shot Asif in the leg during the exchange of fire.

Police continue to search for the other two accused. Authorities have registered a case under strict provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Investigators are checking CCTV footage, collecting forensic evidence and recording statements to identify and trace the remaining suspects.

How the Incident Happened

According to the victim’s statement to police, the girl, who lives in Delhi, visited Kalkaji Mandir with her 17-year-old male friend for darshan at around 7 p.m. on September 21.

After offering prayers, the two entered Astha Kunj Park through Gate No. 7 at around 7:30 p.m. The park lies between Kalkaji Mandir and the ISKCON Temple. Many visitors and local residents use the park as a shortcut and recreational area.

Around that time, three men between 25 and 30 years old approached the teenagers. The men claimed to be police officers and started questioning and threatening them.

One of the men held the girl’s male friend, while the other two took the girl to a secluded part of the park.

Police said Asif threatened the girl with a firearm and a knife and then sexually assaulted her. The other two accused also sexually assaulted her. After the assault, all three men threatened the teenagers and left the park.

At around 8:45 p.m., police received a PCR call, recorded as DD No. 93, about the alleged rape near the park connecting Kalkaji Mandir and the ISKCON Temple.

Personnel from Amar Colony Police Station reached the location and found the girl with her male friend. Police took both teenagers for medical examinations. Doctors examined the girl at AIIMS. Doctors also examined her friend after he reported that the accused had assaulted him.

FIR and Charges

Police registered an FIR at Amar Colony Police Station under Sections 70(2), 61(2), 115(2) and 351(3) of the BNS. These sections cover gang rape of a girl below 18 years, criminal conspiracy, voluntarily causing hurt and aggravated criminal intimidation.

Police also invoked Sections 6 and 17 of the POCSO Act, which deal with aggravated penetrative sexual assault and abetment.

The Crime Team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) personnel examined the crime scene and collected evidence. Police are checking CCTV cameras in and around the park. Investigators are also speaking to people who may have witnessed the incident or noticed the accused around the time of the crime.

Police Arrest Asif After Gunfight

Delhi Police formed several teams to find the accused.

A team led by Inspector Rajender Dagar, In-charge of the Special Staff, South-East District, received information about Asif’s movement near DM Office Road in Amar Colony. Police then laid a trap to intercept him.

When police stopped him, Asif allegedly opened fire and fired three rounds despite police asking him to surrender.

One of the bullets hit the bullet-proof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh. The head constable then fired two rounds in self-defence. One bullet hit Asif in his right leg.

Police immediately took the injured accused to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. Authorities have started legal proceedings against him.

One report identified Asif as a person who works at Okhla Mandi. Police are questioning him to gather information about the two other accused who remain absconding.

Concerns Over Safety at Astha Kunj Park

The incident has also raised concerns about the safety of minors and other visitors in public spaces across Delhi.

Local media reports have recorded four cases involving sexual assault against minors in Delhi within roughly two weeks. Recent cases included sexual assaults in the Sadar Bazaar area of central Delhi and the gang rape and murder of a 16-year-old girl in Swaroop Nagar earlier in September.

Astha Kunj Park has also faced concerns over safety in the past. Residents and local reports have raised questions about poor lighting, monitoring after dark and encroachment near some entry points.

Thousands of people use the park every day to travel between metro stations and nearby residential colonies. However, some local residents have remained cautious about visiting the park during the evening.

Delhi Development Authority (DDA) officials have previously said that security guards work in shifts at the park. However, some independent accounts have questioned whether the security coverage remains effective after dark.

Police Search for Two More Accused

Delhi Police have formed multiple teams to locate the two remaining suspects.

Investigators are analysing CCTV footage from the park and nearby areas. They want to identify the accused and establish exactly how the incident unfolded.

Police are also collecting statements from bystanders, regular visitors and other people who may have information about the case.

Asif remains under treatment while police continue the legal process. Once doctors declare him medically fit, police are expected to produce him before a court.

The two absconding accused also face the same serious charges.

Authorities have protected the identity of the minor victim as required by law. Police and child-protection agencies can also provide support such as counselling and legal assistance to survivors of sexual violence through established channels.

Police have appealed to the public to share any information that could help investigators find the remaining accused.

Senior officials in the South-East District and Delhi Police headquarters continue to monitor the case.

Why the Case Has Raised Concern

The case has drawn attention because the accused allegedly pretended to be police officers, used weapons to threaten the teenagers and carried out the crime inside a well-known public park near a major temple.

The subsequent gunfight during Asif’s arrest has added another serious element to the case.

The incident has brought renewed attention to evening security at Astha Kunj Park. It has also raised questions about how visitors can verify people who claim to be police officers and how quickly authorities can respond to crimes in public spaces.

Investigators say the probe remains at an early stage. Forensic reports, detailed CCTV analysis and the questioning of Asif could provide more information about the three accused, including their identities, movements and any previous criminal records.

Delhi Police have said they will continue efforts to arrest the remaining suspects and pursue the case under the laws that protect minors from sexual offences.

As of Tuesday afternoon, police continued their search for the two absconding accused across southeast Delhi and nearby areas. Investigators are expected to provide further updates as the case progresses.