The investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Delhi’s Aastha Kunj Park has widened, with police examining the accused men’s familiarity with the park, their digital records and whether there may have been earlier incidents involving them.
According to investigators, the three accused were regular visitors to the park and knew the area well. Police are now examining whether that familiarity played a role in the alleged attack and whether the men may have targeted other women or couples there previously.
Accused allegedly knew the park well
Police sources said the three men—identified as Asif, Hemant Singh and Mukesh Singh—were known to frequent the area around Aastha Kunj Park.
Investigators are checking whether the accused had previously harassed couples or women in the park. Local staff, guards and regular visitors have reportedly told investigators that Asif had been seen carrying a knife and troubling couples, although no formal complaint relating to those earlier allegations had been filed.
Police are also investigating whether the three men had been involved in similar incidents that went unreported.
Obscene videos found on Asif’s phone
Investigators reportedly found obscene and pornographic material on Asif’s mobile phone. Police have sent the phones of all three accused for forensic examination.
Investigators are also examining deleted media files and digital records to determine whether they contain information relevant to the alleged crime or indicate possible planning.
Importantly, the presence of such material on a phone does not by itself establish that it was connected to the alleged assault. The forensic examination and investigation will determine what significance, if any, the files have.
Police examining whether attack was planned
The investigation has also focused on indications that the alleged attack may have been premeditated.
Police said the men were allegedly carrying a firearm, a knife and condoms. Investigators are examining reports that they spent time inside the park before approaching the teenagers and allegedly posed as police officers to intimidate them.
The police have reportedly added criminal-conspiracy provisions to the case while examining the sequence of events.
Clothes allegedly washed after the incident
According to investigators cited by India Today and Hindustan Times, Hemant and Mukesh allegedly returned home after the incident and washed their clothes. Police are examining whether this was an attempt to destroy potential evidence.
Forensic teams are also examining material recovered from the crime scene and the accused’s belongings.
How police traced the accused
The survivor and her 17-year-old male friend reportedly provided investigators with descriptions of the suspects, including their appearance, clothing and route of escape. Police used these details along with local intelligence and other investigative leads to identify the accused.
All three were arrested within hours of the alleged incident. Asif was apprehended following an exchange of fire with police and sustained a gunshot injury, according to police accounts.
Investigation now focuses on previous incidents
Police are investigating whether the accused had previously targeted women or couples in and around Aastha Kunj Park. At present, reports indicate that no formal complaint has been identified linking them to another such incident, and those possibilities remain part of the investigation.
The case has also raised questions about security at the 142-acre park, including inadequate lighting, limited patrolling and gaps in CCTV coverage. Delhi authorities have ordered measures aimed at improving security following the incident.
What happens next?
The forensic examination of the phones, recovery and analysis of other evidence, interrogation of the accused and verification of possible previous complaints are expected to help investigators establish the sequence of events and the individual roles of the three accused.
Because the case concerns a minor and is still under investigation, allegations against the accused remain subject to the judicial process.
