NEW DELHI: A bullet fired by an accused in the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl hit the bullet-proof jacket of a Delhi Police head constable during an encounter in southeast Delhi, police said on Tuesday.The accused, identified as Asif, allegedly opened fire at a police team near DM Office Road in Amar Colony when officers tried to intercept him during a hunt for the three men accused of posing as policemen and allegedly gang-raping the teenager at Astha Kunj Park.Police said Asif fired three rounds despite being asked to surrender. One of the bullets hit the bullet-proof jacket of head constable Rajesh.Rajesh was not reported to have suffered any injury. He fired two rounds in self-defence, one of which hit Asif in the right leg, police said. The accused was subsequently taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre for treatment.Crime and forensic teams were called to the encounter spot and further legal proceedings were underway.
How police tracked down Asif
Police had launched several teams to trace the three accused after the alleged rape of the teenager on Monday evening.During the investigation, a team led by inspector Rajender Dagar, in charge of the Special Staff of South-East district, received specific information about Asif’s movement near DM Office Road in Amar Colony.Police laid a trap and intercepted him in the area. Instead of surrendering, Asif allegedly opened fire at the officers, triggering the exchange of fire.The bullet that struck head constable Rajesh’s bulletproof jacket did not injure him, police said. The officer then fired back, hitting Asif in his right leg.
Teen was allegedly separated from friend after fake-cop claim
The encounter came hours after the alleged gang-rape of a 17-year-old girl at Astha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir.According to the police account, the girl and her 17-year-old male friend had visited Kalkaji Mandir for darshan at around 7pm on Monday. They later entered Astha Kunj Park through Gate No. 7.Around 7.30pm, three men allegedly approached them and claimed to be policemen.The men allegedly separated the girl from her friend and took her towards a secluded area. Asif allegedly threatened the girl with a firearm and knife before sexually assaulting her. The other two accused also allegedly assaulted her, police said.The three men allegedly threatened the girl and her friend before leaving.
PCR call at 8.45pm
A PCR call about the alleged rape was received around 8.45pm.The SHO of Amar Colony police station and his team reached Astha Kunj Park, where they found the girl with her friend.The girl was taken to AIIMS for a medical examination, while crime and forensic teams examined the spot and collected relevant exhibits.Based on her statement, an FIR was registered at Amar Colony police station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the POCSO Act.
Two accused still being traced
Police subsequently formed several teams to identify and apprehend all three accused.With Asif now arrested after the encounter, efforts are continuing to trace the other two men allegedly involved in the crime.The investigation into the alleged gang-rape and the circumstances surrounding the encounter is underway.
