Forested park with defunct lights make it safe haven for criminals

New Delhi: Defunct high mast lights, lack of security guards and broken boundary walls are the features of the park in North West Delhi's Shalimar Bagh area where the 16-year-old girl was raped by three persons. Police claimed that they have questioned several youth in this regard but no arrests have been made.

The park, which is just close to the police station, is widely spread connecting the slums of Haiderpur area. "The park in the night becomes the hub of thieves as many of the lights which were put there was stolen," the residents of slum stated.

One of the residents, Suraj stated that many people play gambling over here and it becomes unsafe, so instead of going to park in the night, they opt to stay indoor.

The women residents stated that they have heard that the girl was sexually assaulted in the park. ''I was standing at my house when I heard people talking about the incident," said a woman.

In the park, one can easily see the broken streetlights many of children were playing cricket. Somewhere enjoying the time in swings which were inside the park.

The other side of the park was totally forested and have less light or no light.

People who were working there stated that they came to know about the incident in the morning as the there shift was over before the incident. There were two guards at the spot who stated that they close the park on 8 PM every day and in the morning they open it at 5 am.

"A body was found here few years back, after which such things never happened. It is the first time, we have witnessed such type of incident. They themselves face a lot of problems due to unscrupulous elements in the park," said the guard.

Deputy Commissioner of Police, (north-west) Aslam Khan stated that no arrest has been made in the case.

Police are now trying to make sketches of the accused involved in the rape. She claimed that the police have zeroed down few suspects. "For the case, we have formed 15 teams," said the DCP.