Twelve days after the gang rape of a minor at Aastha Kunj Park in Delhi, questions remain over the security measures promised at the capital’s dark spots. While the Delhi Police and Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) have announced steps to improve patrolling, lighting and security, a ground inspection by the Dainik Jagran team found several gaps.

At Aastha Kunj Park, where the incident took place on September 21, security guards were present during the team’s visit on Friday night. However, the area near the park’s gate was still engulfed in darkness, raising questions over whether the promised improvements have reached the spots identified as vulnerable.

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The area near the park’s gate was still engulfed in darkness. 

Police Increase Patrolling After Aastha Kunj Incident

The incident, in which three men allegedly gang-raped a minor near Aastha Kunj Park close to Kalkaji Temple, put renewed focus on women’s safety in Delhi. Following the case, Delhi Police increased patrolling in the area, and senior officers visited various locations to review security arrangements.

The police have also been releasing updates highlighting increased patrols and security measures across the capital.

MCD Identifies Dark Spots Across Delhi

The MCD has separately begun surveying locations where inadequate lighting or other infrastructure gaps could pose safety concerns. The civic body is compiling a list of dark spots and assessing measures required to improve lighting and security.

The Delhi government has also announced plans to convert around 96,000 streetlights into smart LED lights. The plan includes real-time monitoring of dark spots, along with measures aimed at improving lighting and women’s safety.

However, the ground situation at several locations inspected by the Dainik Jagran team suggested that the measures are yet to translate into visible changes everywhere.

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Jahanpanah City Forest Still Has Broken Grills, Dense Bushes

At Jahanpanah City Forest, the approach to Gate No. 5 was illuminated, but broken grills around the area remained a concern. Dense bushes inside the forest also appeared to obstruct proper lighting in parts of the area.

Jahanpanah City Forest has broken grills around Gate No. 5.

Sanjay Lake Park Remains Dark

The situation was similar at Sanjay Lake Park in Trilokpuri, where several stretches remained poorly lit. The park’s boundary wall also had missing grills at multiple points, while security personnel were not visible during the inspection.

Several stretches at Sanjay Lake Park remain poorly lit.

The ground assessment of Aastha Kunj Park, Jahanpanah City Forest and Sanjay Lake Park highlights the gap between official announcements and conditions at some locations. The findings also raise questions about how quickly the promised lighting and security measures are being implemented at vulnerable spots across Delhi.

(With Jagran.com Inputs)