A month after a 17-year-old girl was gang-raped, allegedly by three men, inside Astha Kunj park in southeast Delhi, the park’s walking pathways appeared well-lit with a police patrolling vehicle taking rounds, HT found during a visit on Wednesday evening. Some parts of the 142 acre park, however, were still pitch dark.
HT visited three entry points and found that security guards were absent at two of them. Two security guards on a bike blaring a siren similar to one used by police were also spotted. There was always a sense of uncertainty about who might be around. Now, with the pathways lit up and police personnel patrolling the area, I feel safer. Now, there has been some improvement, but it still feels like a little more needs to be done. Lighting and police patrolling are important, but security should also be visible at the entrances. The gang rape of the minor inside the park last month had brought the safety of the public space under scrutiny. The three men were arrested and sent to judicial custody.
Around 8.30pm, a police patrolling vehicle and a motorcycle were spotted making rounds of the park. Police personnel were also seen patrolling the premises, with a vehicle and a motorcycle making rounds around 8.30pm. I have even taken this route at around 9:15pm in the past, but the feeling of safety is important when you are travelling alone or returning late.
My parents still remain worried though,” Chauhan said. People should be able to see that the area is being monitored and that there are personnel available if they need help,” Maurya said.
“Earlier, I would feel unsafe while taking this route, especially in the evening. “Earlier, the situation here was different. When HT visited on Wednesday, the pathways were found illuminated, allowing visitors to walk along the designated routes with better visibility.
