Aastha Kunj Gang Rape Spot Was a Delhi Police ‘Dark Zone’ With Lighting Gaps
The area around Aastha Kunj Park, where a 17-year-old girl was allegedly gang-raped, had already been identified by the Delhi Police as a poorly lit “dark spot.” Despite this, the lighting issues remained unresolved when the assault occurred on September 21.
The park and its surroundings have long been flagged by police for insufficient lighting. Regular surveys are conducted to identify areas with inadequate illumination, and reports are sent to civic agencies requesting repairs or new streetlights. However, many of these requests remain unaddressed.
According to a survey, out of 1,525 streetlights in the southeast district, 33% were not working. Police expressed concern over this high number, especially given the area’s size and heavy pedestrian traffic. For instance:
– In Amar Colony, near the park, 14 out of 54 streetlights were non-functional.
– On the Lala Lajpat Rai Marg–Kalkaji Mandir stretch, 43 of 150 lights were not working.
– Near the Nehru Place flyover, eight of 20 streetlights were also out.
The DDA, which manages the park and surrounding areas, claimed that all lighting installations were functional and regularly inspected. However, police reports contradict this claim.
The “dark spot” initiative aims to identify risky areas where low light, high foot traffic, and poor surveillance could pose safety risks. But in Aastha Kunj, despite these warnings, the lighting problems persisted.
After the gang rape, a visit to the park revealed dark stretches even after sunset. Police also noted that some CCTV cameras were not working. The lack of proper lighting made patrols difficult and reduced visibility at night.
Aastha Kunj is a busy area connecting neighborhoods like Sant Nagar, Garhi Village, Greater Kailash, and Nehru Place. It’s frequently used by students, residents, and commuters. Recent reports have also highlighted safety concerns in other public spaces near the college and Hakikat Park in Mukherjee Nagar.