New Delhi: A few metres from where a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped by three men in Aastha Kunj Park stands a guardpost — without a guard to man the post.
“There has never been a security guard inside,” said Shankar, who runs a tea stall nearby. “Thieves have stripped even the guardpost bare.”
The incident occurred in one of the many dark spots spread over the 143-acre park which connects Lotus Temple, Iskcon temple and Kalkaji temple. The entire area is manned by 27 guards spread over three shifts, meaning only nine security personnel are patrolling at a time — on foot. Pankaj (26), who works nearby and comes to the park every day to meet a friend, said people stare at the couples sitting on the benches and often record videos of them on their phones.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Delhi | Silver Rate in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi | Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Petrol Price in Delhi | Diesel Price in Delhi | CNG Price in Delhi | LPG Price in Delhi Stay updated with the latest Delhi news.
They took the girl to a secluded spot, away from her friend, threatened her with a pistol and a knife, and then sexually assaulted her, police said. The park is open from 4am to 9pm, according to the Delhi tourism website. But, said a guard, “No one listens. A police officer said the park offers a shortcut to pedestrians from the metro station towards Garhi village and Okhla sabzi mandi, prompting people to walk through it at all times. “A man kept staring at me when I was sitting on a bench here a few days ago,” a Lady Shri Ram College student told TOI. Shanker, who closes his tea stall at 9pm, said he no longer takes the shortcut through the park and prefers the longer route home as it is safer. When contacted, the authority said, “For the security of visitors, nine security guards are deployed in each shift at strategic locations, along with supervisory and patrolling arrangements. It added that it has “immediately reviewed and further strengthened the existing security arrangements” following the incident. “DDA is also undertaking a comprehensive assessment of security manpower and deployment requirements, keeping in view the extensive area of the park and its 29 access points,” it stated. DDA also said its officials maintain regular coordination with the beat officer and other Delhi Police officials regarding security, law and order, prevention of unauthorised activities and maintenance of a safe environment within and around the park premises.
There, they were approached by three men who allegedly pretended to be police officials. During a spot visit, TOI found three guards patrolling the area near gates one and two. We still try to clear out the park after 8pm. “The gates remain open all night. If we close them, people will start jumping over the barriers,” he added. The park is ill-equipped to handle the late-night foot traffic. Small LEDs light up the pathway in patches, while most of the green area remains unlit. Regular visitors claimed the park is frequented by suspected drug addicts looking for a quiet, secluded spot. “He kept swaying, as though he was drunk, and walked towards me, asking for water. I got up and left the park as fast as I possibly could. Local residents are wary of entering the park after dark as they fear being robbed or harassed inside. “With no guards, no lights and no security measures, such crimes will just keep repeating. Aastha Kunj Park is under DDA’s jurisdiction. The lighting installations in the park are functional and are inspected regularly. Download the TOI App.
On Monday evening, she and her male friend visited the nearby Kalkaji temple before entering the park, according to the survivor’s statement.