In a distressing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, the Delhi Police have arrested five men in connection with the brutal gang-rape of two women—a 22-year-old and her 17-year-old niece—who were preyed upon after their drinks were allegedly spiked with alcohol. The harrowing events reportedly unfolded on Saturday night when the victims were lured to a house in Lajpat Nagar, according to police officials.
The accused individuals, identified as Shivam Parchha, Aman Pal, Ashish Singh, Aman Mehra, and Abhishek Singh, have been charged under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, as well as relevant laws concerning rape and gang rape, highlighting the serious nature of their alleged actions.
According to investigators, the traumatic episode began around 11 PM on Saturday night when the two women were denied entry to a nightclub situated near the Defence Colony flyover due to the niece’s underage status. This pivotal moment set off a series of events that would lead to their victimization.
As they waited outside the club, five men approached the duo, promising them a ride to another nightclub in Malviya Nagar where they supposedly would not face age restrictions. Relieved by this unexpected proposition, the 22-year-old woman consented, and the group climbed into a Maruti Swift car. Police reports suggest that the suspects drove them around for a few hours, ultimately bringing them to Gurugram, where they acquired alcoholic beverages.
The victims reported that the accused offered them what was disguised as a ‘cold drink,’ which they later discovered had been laced with alcohol. Following this deception, the group traversed multiple locations before arriving at a house in Kasturba Niketan. This residence reportedly belongs to Aman Mehra, one of the accused, who is employed as a security guard. Eyewitness accounts indicate that after arriving at the house, the men carried out the heinous sexual assault against both women.
Deputy Commissioner of Police for the southeast region, Ravi Kumar Singh, stated that one of the men later dropped the traumatized victims near their home around 2 AM, leaving them in a state of disorientation. In their subsequent statements to the police, the victims expressed that they were not fully aware of their surroundings during the assault and were unable to recall the specific details of the ordeal.
The gravity of the situation only came to light the following morning when the minor began to complain of severe abdominal pain. She was urgently taken to Safdarjung Hospital, where medical professionals informed both her family and law enforcement that the distressing diagnosis was sexual assault. Upon learning of this tragic news, the aunt’s involvement was confirmed as they both provided statements, which led to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR).
Medical examinations conducted at the hospital corroborated the victims’ accounts of rape, providing further weight to the allegations being investigated. The family of the minor had believed she was spending the evening with her aunt, who was alone at home due to her husband being away on business.
Intriguingly, police investigations revealed that the 22-year-old victim maintained contact with one or more of the accused through text messages the day after the alleged gang rape. This revelation has prompted authorities to explore all facets of the case, including potential implications of solicitation.
By utilizing technical surveillance and conducting thorough local inquiries based on information provided by the victims regarding the car and the location of the assault, detectives succeeded in tracing and apprehending the five accused earlier this week, on Monday.
During the interrogation, officers found that the accused were all acquaintances who work as helpers and drivers in south Delhi. They further confessed to borrowing the vehicle used in the crime on the night they encountered the victims, and it subsequently emerged that they had conspired to intoxicate the women.
In a chilling account from the police, they noted that after the attack, Parchha was the one who dropped the victims back at their home. At that moment, the women had no recollection of the horrific incident, a realization that only came to light when medical professionals alerted the family to the minor’s rape. Authorities have committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation into the case, ensuring all evidence and leads are intricately examined.
Led to the swift arrest of the five suspects.
**Interview with Crime Expert and Social Activist, Dr. Neela Sharma**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Sharma. The recent case of the gang rape involving two women in Delhi has once again shocked the nation. Can you share your thoughts on the alarming pattern we are seeing with such crimes?
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. This incident is indeed distressing and highlights a deep-rooted issue in society. The predatory behavior and the method by which these women were lured into danger show a calculated and deliberate approach by the accused. It underscores the need for better safety measures and education, especially around the dangers of alcohol and trusting strangers.
**Interviewer:** The victims were reportedly lured with the promise of a ride to another nightclub. What preventative measures can be recommended for young women to avoid such situations?
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s crucial for young women to stay vigilant and prioritize their safety. They should always verify the identity of individuals offering help, opt for known and reputable travel options, and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Communities also need to engage in discussions about consent and respect to foster a cultural shift against such heinous acts.
**Interviewer:** The involvement of minors in this case raises serious concerns. What implications does the involvement of younger individuals in crimes like this have on our legal and social systems?
**Dr. Sharma:** The presence of minors among the accused is particularly concerning and showcases the urgent need for intervention at an earlier stage in their lives. It raises questions about societal influences and the level of accountability we expect from young individuals. We must enhance rehabilitation efforts and not just punitive measures when it comes to underage offenders.
**Interviewer:** In light of such incidents, how can law enforcement improve their response to sexual assault cases to ensure justice is served swiftly?
**Dr. Sharma:** Speed and sensitivity are key. Law enforcement should prioritize training on handling cases of sexual violence, ensuring officers are equipped to deal with victims compassionately. Additionally, there should be a streamlined process for collecting evidence and witnessing statements to reduce the trauma experienced by victims. Building trust in law enforcement is essential so that victims feel safe coming forward.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, what message would you like to convey to the victims of such crimes?
**Dr. Sharma:** To the victims: it’s incredibly important to know that you are not alone, and what happened to you is not your fault. Please reach out for help and support from trusted individuals or organizations. Healing takes time, but there is strength in seeking help and speaking out.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sharma, for shedding light on this grave issue and for offering valuable insights on how we can move forward as a society.
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for addressing this vital topic. Change starts with awareness, dialogue, and action.
