Safety concerns at Astha Kunj Park not new, say south-east Delhi residents; DDA reviewing security - The HinduPublished - September 23, 2026 01:02 am IST - NEW DELHIDelhi Police personnel near the spot where a man accused in the gang rape case was nabbed following an encounter on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: ANIResidents near Astha Kunj Park, a green space used by joggers and commuters as a shortcut between south-east Delhi neighbourhoods, expressed shock and disbelief after the alleged gang rape of a 17-year-old, even as they voiced long-standing safety concerns in the area — particularly after dark — citing poor lighting.The park connects three prominent religious sites — ISKCON Temple, Lotus Temple and Kalkaji Mandir. The assault took place nearly 500 metres from the Kalkaji Mandir on Monday. Delhi Metro commuters use the park to reach neighbourhoods such as Sant Nagar, Bhagat Colony and Jagatpur.Many residents told The Hindu that large stretches of its perimeter remain open and in disrepair. A guard room near the entrance by the Nehru Place metro station lies abandoned and has effectively become a dumping spot for waste, said residents.On Tuesday, the police cordoned off the 142.10-acre space, which is managed by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA).In a release, the DDA stated on Tuesday that nine security guards are deployed in the park, along with supervisory and patrolling personnel.The urban body denied claims of poor lighting and added that it had strengthened security arrangements and was assessing manpower and deployment requirements in view of the park’s size and 29 access points.‘Sense of dread’“I have to constantly turn around and see if anyone is following me. That’s the feeling,” said Gautam*, a Greater Kailash-I resident who regularly jogs there.This is despite the park being located in the heart of south Delhi, with Kailash Colony market, N-Block market and residential areas all being within a kilometre, he added. “Robberies by knife-wielding individuals are not uncommon at stretches with patchy lighting,” he said.Another resident, Atush Kumar, vividly remembers being robbed inside the park more than a decade ago. “I was confronted by a group of men carrying knives who robbed me of all my belongings, including a phone I had bought days ago. My college identity card was the only item they didn’t take,” he said.Robbery in JuneOn June 26, two men robbed a U.S. national at the park at knifepoint.Monday’s incident has changed the way residents view the space, which had been part of their everyday routine for many years.Reena*, whose children visit the park to play in the evenings, said she would no longer feel comfortable sending them there.“I used to encourage my daughters to go out and play, but now I don’t think I will be okay with them going there, at least for some time,” she said.(*Name changed on request)Published - September 23, 2026 01:02 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }