Delhi Aastha Kunj Gang-Rape Case: Accused Deleted Search History, Washed Clothes To Remove Evidence

Photo / Illustration: Haldwani Times News Desk

<p>The investigation into the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old girl at Delhi’s Aastha Kunj Park has turned towards the digital and forensic trail, with police sources saying two of the accused deleted their search history and later washed their clothes after the incident.</p> <p>The mobile phones of all three accused – Asif, Hemant and Mukesh – have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), where investigators are examining their digital activity and other electronic evidence.</p> <p>Sources said Hemant and Mukesh had deleted their search history, while investigators are also scrutinising the digital footprints of all three men to establish their movements, communication and activities before and after the alleged crime.</p> <p>According to sources, Hemant and Mukesh first went to an eatery after the alleged assault and later returned to their home in Srinivaspuri. They allegedly washed their clothes to destroy any possible forensic evidence.</p> <p>The development comes as investigators examine whether the assault was planned. Police have added provisions related to criminal conspiracy to the FIR after recovering a pistol, a knife and condoms from Asif, sources said.</p> <p>The mobile phones of the three accused, Asif, Hemant, and Mukesh, have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL).</p> <p>Hemant and Mukesh allegedly deleted their search history and washed their clothes after the incident.</p> <p>Police added criminal conspiracy provisions to the FIR after recovering a pistol, a knife, and condoms from Asif.</p> <p>Asif was apprehended after an encounter with police, sustaining a gunshot wound to his leg.</p> <p>Investigators are also trying to establish whether Asif routinely carried a weapon and whether the trio had previously targeted or harassed women at the park.</p> <p>Police are also looking into the possibility of prior similar incidents involving the accused.</p> <p>Sources said there have been allegations that Asif had previously harassed people in the area, but investigators are verifying the claims and looking for corroborating evidence.</p> <p>The three men allegedly approached the teenager and her 17-year-old male friend while posing as police personnel. They reportedly used police-like language and addressed them as “Janab" while threatening them with legal action, according to investigators.</p> <p>The girl and her friend were subsequently separated, after which the girl was allegedly sexually assaulted inside the park.</p> <p>After the alleged assault, the accused reportedly warned the girl against disclosing the incident. She later told her friend what had happened, following which he contacted the police control room.</p> <p>The teenager had visited the Kalkaji Mandir with her friend on Monday evening before going to Aastha Kunj Park. All three accused were subsequently arrested. Asif was apprehended after an encounter with police in which he sustained a gunshot wound to his leg, according to police.</p> <p>Police sources revealed that two of the accused, Hemant and Mukesh, deleted their search history and washed their clothes after the incident to destroy potential forensic evidence, while their mobile phones were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for digital analysis.</p> <p>The three suspects allegedly approached the 17-year-old girl and her male friend while posing as police personnel, using official-sounding language and threatening them with legal action before separating the pair and committing the assault.</p> <p>Investigators recovered a pistol, a knife, and condoms from Asif, which prompted police to add criminal conspiracy provisions to the FIR and examine whether the assault was premeditated.</p>