One of the three accused of gang-raping a 17-year-old girl at a park in Delhi is suspected to have pre-planned the incident, as he used to frequently visit the crime scene. According to the authorities, Asif (32) allegedly used to lurk in the nearby secluded areas.
Asif, a vegetable wholesaler, lived near Astha Kunj Park and is considered the mastermind of the crime. He is married and has a 13-year-old daughter.
During the investigation, police found a pistol, knife, and condoms in his possession.
The probe also revealed that Asif had several pornographic videos on his phone. The other accused, Hemant (24) and Mahesh (24), had deleted their search history from the phone.
The three accused have been friends from childhood.
About a month ago, Hemant was removed from a gym after its management allegedly received several complaints from women regarding his behaviour, PTI reported.
The 17-year-old girl, along with her friend, went to Astha Kunj Park after offering prayers at Kalkaji Mandir on the occasion of her 17th birthday. The trio had spotted the girl after she entered the grounds through Gate No. 7. They followed them and then confronted them by posing as police personnel.
The accused then allegedly separated the girl from her friend and raped her. Asif allegedly threatened them using a knife and a pistol.
According to the police, the girl was taken to multiple secluded locations inside the park where she was sexually assaulted. Reportedly, one accused allegedly assaulted the girl, another kept watch and called the other over the phone to continue the assault.
After the assault, the three threatened the girl of filing a complaint and fled the scene. According to sources, the three accused had food at a nearby place and then went home in Srinivaspuri.
