A 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped by three men who posed as police officers at Astha Kunj Park near Delhi’s Kalkaji Mandir, according to Delhi Police. The incident reportedly took place on Monday evening after the teenager visited the temple with her 17-year-old male friend.

According to the police account, the girl and her friend arrived at Kalkaji Mandir at around 7 pm for darshan. After visiting the temple, the two went to Astha Kunj Park at approximately 7:30 pm. The park is located close to both Kalkaji Mandir and the ISKCON temple.

Police said that while the teenagers were inside the park, three men aged between approximately 25 and 30 approached them. The men allegedly claimed to be police personnel and threatened the two teenagers. The claim of being policemen reportedly caused the teenagers to believe that they were dealing with law-enforcement officers.

According to the girl’s statement to police, the accused allegedly separated her from her friend. One of the men reportedly restrained the boy while the three accused allegedly sexually assaulted the girl.

A PCR call concerning the alleged sexual assault was received at around 8:45 pm. Following the call, the Station House Officer of Amar Colony police station and other police personnel reached Astha Kunj Park. The girl and her male friend were found at the location, after which the police began investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged incident.

The teenager was subsequently taken for medical examination, while her statement was recorded by investigators. Police also examined the area and collected evidence as part of the investigation.

A case has been registered under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, commonly known as the POCSO Act. The use of POCSO provisions reflects the fact that the complainant is below 18 years of age.

As the investigation progressed, police teams were formed to identify and apprehend the suspects. Investigators also began examining CCTV footage from the surrounding area in an effort to establish the movements of the accused and identify the two men who remained at large.

Police later traced one suspect, identified in reports as Asif, near DM Office Road in the Amar Colony area. According to police, officers attempted to intercept him, but he allegedly opened fire. Police said three rounds were fired by the suspect. A bullet reportedly struck the bulletproof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh.

Police said the officer fired back in self-defence, and one bullet struck the suspect in the right leg. Asif was apprehended and taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.

The other two suspects remained the subject of a police search. Investigators are continuing to examine CCTV footage and other evidence as they work to establish the complete sequence of events.

The case has brought attention to the vulnerability of minors in public spaces and the dangers posed when individuals allegedly impersonate law-enforcement personnel. The investigation remains ongoing, and allegations against the accused will be subject to the legal process.