Lady Shri Ram College for Women cancelled Classes on Tuesday and shifted to online mode for Wednesday after a 17-year-old girl was gang-raped at a park near the campus. The college administration said the safety of students remained its top priority.
The incident happened inside the Aastha Kunj park near Kalindi Kunj on Monday (September 21)’s evening. The LSR college is located 2 kilometres from the park.
The criminals were arrested following a fire-exchange on Tuesday. Officials said three men were involved, of whom one was injured during the fire.
“After we got to know about the unfortunate incident, we cancelled classes. The safety, security and well-being of our students is of paramount importance to us. We have requested our faculty mentors and college counsellor to remain available for any support students may require,” Principal Kanika K Ahuja said.
Accused Acted As Police Personnel
According to police, the 17-year-old girl and her male friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir before entering Aastha Kunj Park through Gate 7. The three accused allegedly approached them while posing as police personnel and threatened them. They allegedly separated the girl from her friend and took her to a secluded area of the park, where the sexual assault took place. The girl’s friend was also allegedly assaulted 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 crime and forensic teams examined the spot and collected evidence, police said.
Police Encounter
All three accused were arrested on Tuesday. During the operation to apprehend one of them, identified as Asif, police said an exchange of fire took place near DM Office Road in Amar Colony, close to the college’s back gate. The media reported that the encounter took place around 50 metres from the college gate.
According to police, Asif allegedly fired three rounds at the police team. One bullet hit the bulletproof jacket of Head Constable Rajesh. Police then fired two rounds in response, with one bullet hitting Asif in the leg. He was subsequently apprehended and taken for treatment.
The other two accused were identified as Hemant and Mukesh. Police are also checking whether the accused may have been involved in any other similar incidents in or around the park. Officials said no complaint relating to such incidents had been received so far.
Following the incident, LSR has also advised students, faculty members and staff to avoid gathering near the college’s back gate. The administration has sought increased police patrolling around the campus and said it is in contact with Delhi Police over security arrangements.
