Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College for Women cancelled the classes on Tuesday after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly raped in Aastha Kunj Park near Kalkaji Mandir in the national capital. The incident has created a large-scale uproar over the safety of the students and the residents of the area. Lady Shri Ram College is located about 2 km away from the park, citing which reason, the college authorities decided to cancel the classes on Tuesday after the incident. The classes on Wednesday will be held online, as confirmed by the college principal.

“After we came to know about the unfortunate incident, we decided to cancel the classes. The safety, security and well-being of our students is our utmost priority. We have asked our faculty mentors and college counsellor to be available for any assistance required by the students,” said Principal Kanika K Ahuja while talking to the PTI. The Lady Shri Ram College authorities have claimed that they prioritised the safety, security and well-being of their students.

Three arrested in connection to the alleged rape of the minor girl

The police have arrested three men in connection to the alleged rape of the minor girl. As per the police sources, one of the three accused was injured due to a brief encounter with the police. The incident allegedly occurred inside an old and abandoned stone structure in Aastha Kunj Park. The three accused allegedly harassed the 17-year-old girl by taking turns. Asif, one of the accused, allegedly pretended to be a policeman along with the other two and took the girl to an isolated part of the park on Monday night.

Lawyer, BSc student among the accused

The other two accused have been identified as Hemant, a lawyer, and his brother Mukesh, a final year BSc Mathematics student. Hemant and Mukesh have been arrested from their residence and are currently being questioned by the police.

The three accused are residents of Faridabad in Haryana but stay in Delhi’s Sri Niwaspuri local area. As per the information, all three were acquainted with each other as they used to work and hang out together at the Aastha Kunj Park.

Police to check if accused had been involved in other incidents

The police are also looking into the possibility that the three men might have been involved in other incidents at the park. However, the police added that no formal complaints have been registered so far. The investigators are also looking into the possibility that other victims might have come forward and are currently probing the case.