New Delhi: A serious safety concern has emerged around Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College for Women (LSR) after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped at Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji on Monday evening.
According to Delhi Police, the girl had visited Kalkaji Temple with a 17-year-old male friend before entering Aastha Kunj Park. Police allege that three men approached the two, identified themselves as policemen and threatened them by claiming they were minors and could face legal action for being in the park.
The accused allegedly separated the girl from her friend and took her to a secluded part of the park, where she was allegedly sexually assaulted. Police said the male friend was also beaten and threatened. An FIR was registered under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The girl was medically examined at AIIMS, while forensic teams examined the crime scene.
Three accused arrested
Delhi Police arrested three men in connection with the case. They have been identified as Hemant, his brother Mukesh, and Asif, according to police.
Police said Asif allegedly opened fire at a police team during an attempt to arrest him near DM Office Road in Amar Colony. Police said three rounds were fired at the team and that one bullet struck the bulletproof jacket of a head constable. Police subsequently fired in retaliation, injuring Asif in the leg before arresting him.
The family of Hemant and Mukesh has disputed the allegations, with their father claiming that the two
LSR moves classes online
The incident has also raised concerns among students at nearby Lady Shri Ram College for Women. The college suspended physical classes and shifted classes online as a precaution. The administration also requested increased police patrolling around the college, particularly near its back gate and surrounding parks.
Students have raised concerns about security infrastructure around the campus, including alleged lack of police patrol vans, a non-functional Pink Booth, inadequate street lighting and unsafe stretches around the college. The students’ union has called for more location-specific safety measures rather than relying only on general safety advisories.
The incident has once again brought attention to the safety of women and minors in public spaces around educational institutions. Authorities are investigating the allegations, while the college community has called for stronger security measures around areas regularly used by students.
