A 17-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted by three men who posed as police personnel at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in southeast Delhi, police said. One of the accused was later injured in an exchange of fire with police and taken into custody.
According to officials, police received a PCR call about the alleged assault at around 8:45 pm on Monday. The Station House Officer of Amar Colony police station and other personnel reached Astha Kunj Park, where they found the girl with her male friend.
The girl told police that she and her friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir for darshan before entering Astha Kunj Park through Gate No. 7.
Men allegedly posed as police personnel
According to her statement, the three men allegedly introduced themselves as police personnel and separated her from her friend before taking her to a secluded area.
One of the accused, identified as Asif, allegedly threatened the girl with a firearm and a knife before sexually assaulting her. Police said the other two accused also allegedly assaulted her.
The three men subsequently allegedly threatened the girl and her friend, an official said.
The girl was taken to AIIMS Hospital for medical examination. Police said Crime Team and Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) personnel examined the scene and collected relevant exhibits.
FIR registered under BNS and POCSO Act
Police registered an FIR at Amar Colony police station under Sections 70(2), 61(2), 115(2) and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 6 and 17 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Several police teams were subsequently formed to trace the accused.
During the investigation, a Special Staff 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 in the area.
Accused injured in exchange of fire
According to police, when officers intercepted Asif, he allegedly opened fire at the police team and fired three rounds. Despite being asked to surrender, he allegedly continued firing.
During the exchange of fire, one bullet struck the bullet-proof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh, police said.
In self-defence, the head constable fired two rounds, with one bullet hitting Asif in his right leg, according to police.
The injured accused was taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment. Crime Team and FSL personnel were also called to the scene, while further legal proceedings are underway.
Police said the investigation into the case is continuing and efforts to establish the full circumstances of the alleged assault and trace the remaining accused are part of the ongoing probe.