Teen Assaulted by Men Pretending to Be Police Near Delhi Temple

Delhi police are probing a brutal assault on a 17‑year‑old girl who was reportedly gang‑raped by three men claiming to be police officers. The incident unfolded in a park adjacent to the Kalkaji Mandir after the teenager and a friend left the shrine, according to the Times of India. The victims managed to raise an alarm, prompting a rapid response from nearby officers who escorted the girl to a medical facility for a forensic examination.

The police have opened a case, secured the crime scene and are reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the suspects. Investigators have also begun tracing phone records and interviewing witnesses who may have seen the three men in police uniforms. The forensic report, often referred to as a PCR (post‑coital report), is being processed to gather medical evidence, the newspaper noted.

Impersonating law‑enforcement officials is a serious offence under Indian law, and the incident adds to a growing list of crimes where perpetrators exploit the authority associated with police uniforms. The 2013 Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, which broadened the definition of rape and introduced stricter penalties, also criminalises the use of false pretences to commit sexual offences. Yet, cases of fake police officers luring victims have been reported in several states, highlighting gaps in public awareness and the need for stricter verification mechanisms.

Delhi has long grappled with safety concerns around crowded public spaces, especially near religious sites that attract large numbers of visitors. Past incidents near temples and markets have spurred calls for better lighting, increased patrols, and community vigilance. The Kalkaji area, a popular pilgrimage spot, has seen heightened security after similar complaints, but the current case underscores that even visible police presence may not deter criminals who disguise themselves.

Authorities say the investigation will continue until the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to trial. Victim‑support services, including counseling and legal aid, have been offered to the girl and her family. The case is expected to be examined by a fast‑track court, a provision introduced to expedite sexual assault trials. As the probe proceeds, officials urge the public to report any suspicious individuals in uniform and to verify police identity before complying with requests.