Major Security Lapses Exposed at Delhi's Aastha Kunj Park Following Teen's Gang-Rape

Three men posing as police officers gang-raped a 17-year-old girl inside Aastha Kunj Park in Delhi between 7:30 and 8:30 pm on Monday evening. The attack took place near Kalkaji Temple, drawing fresh scrutiny to deep security and lighting failures at the 142-acre park. Locals report that the sprawling green space becomes a hotspot for drug users, thieves, and snatchers after dark. A spot check on Tuesday revealed that out of seven entry points, only one had two security guards present. In the evening, only two individual guards were stationed at separate gates, and one patrolled on a motorcycle with just a stick and a torch. The Delhi Development Authority contested these numbers, stating they employ 27 guards working across three shifts, with at least nine supposed to be on duty at any time. Guards cited difficulties handling aggressive visitors who oppose checks, alongside challenges in policing the vast, dense terrain. Police presence included a single PCR van parked outside gate number 3 with two officers inside. Following the crime, senior police officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Vijay Kumar, arrived at the scene. Police noted that broken boundary walls facing nearby areas like Govindpuri and Okhla Mandi allow easy entry, while tall trees and broken lights leave long stretches in complete darkness.