‘Safer’: One month after minor’s gang rape in DDA park, HT visit to Astha Kunj Park
When HT visited on Wednesday, the pathways were found illuminated, allowing visitors to walk along the designated routes with better visibility
A month after a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped inside Astha Kunj park in southeast Delhi, the park's walking pathways appeared well-lit and patrolled by police, according to the Hindustan Times (HT) during its visit on Wednesday evening. However, some parts of the 142-acre park remained dark. Around 8:30 pm, a police patrolling vehicle and a motorcycle were seen making rounds in the park.
Despite the presence of security guards at one entry point, HT found them absent at two others. Following the alleged gang rape on September 21, which raised concerns over the safety of women using the park after dark, authorities conducted a security audit of all Delhi parks and faced widespread protests demanding women's safety.
Since the visit, the pathways were illuminated, and police personnel patrolled the park. Kiran Chauhan, a 27-year-old resident, stated that she initially felt unsafe while using the route, particularly in the evening, but now feels safer due to the visible lighting and security presence. Arvind Maurya, a 33-year-old resident, agreed that improvements had been made but suggested that more could be done, such as enhancing security at entrances.
The gang rape of the minor in Astha Kunj park last month had prompted a security audit of Delhi parks, following widespread protests demanding improved safety for women.
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