Ashoka Garden police presented Farhan Khan, the alleged leader of a gang accused of raping and blackmailing Hindu female students, along with his associates Nabeel and Ali, in court following the conclusion of their remand period. The trio has been sent to jail, while Jahangirabad police secured a remand for another suspect, Sahil, until May 8.
The gang, known for its lavish lifestyle involving expensive cars and gadgets, operated systematically over time. Despite their high-profile nature, police have yet to identify their financial backers or fully uncover the extent of the gang’s membership. This oversight has raised questions about the depth of the police investigation and the ability to tackle such complex criminal networks.
A three-member team from the National Commission for Women (NCW) is actively investigating the case and has uncovered critical flaws in the police's handling of the matter. On Monday, the NCW team visited the victims’ college on Raisen Road to assess safety measures and recorded statements from three victims at Hotel Radisson, bringing the total number of documented victim accounts to four. This has further highlighted the need for better protective measures and support for victims of such crimes.
The investigation also revealed that the gang used Club-90 restaurant as a hideout. The establishment had rooms and cabins built under the pretense of offering privacy, where the victims were allegedly molested. Despite the serious nature of the crimes occurring within its premises, authorities initially failed to take action against the restaurant’s operator. It wasn’t until NCW raised concerns that local authorities demolished illegal portions of the Club-90 building on Monday evening. The Municipal Corporation also canceled the restaurant's lease and seized the property, confirming that the establishment will no longer be operational.
Further revelations came to light during the NCW's visit to the college, where it was exposed that the institution had failed to comply with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. Specifically, the college allowed Farhan, who had a prior criminal case against him and a history of poor attendance, to sit for examinations. This raises significant concerns about administrative oversight and the need for stricter regulatory measures to prevent such lapses in the future.
Moreover, the investigation uncovered that the gang arranged for an abortion for one of the victims, but no action has yet been taken against those responsible for facilitating the procedure. This has raised further questions about the role of medical professionals and other individuals who may have been complicit in the exploitation of the victim.
As the NCW continues its probe, there is increasing pressure on the police to account for their shortcomings in handling the investigation. The team has called for greater accountability and transparency in the investigation process, as it seeks to identify the financial backers of the gang and uncover any further criminal activity that may have been concealed. Additionally, the college’s failure to adhere to regulatory standards and its role in allowing the accused to continue their criminal activities has put the institution under scrutiny.
The authorities are under increasing pressure to deliver justice, not only for the victims but also to address the systemic failures revealed by this investigation. As the case unfolds, the NCW has vowed to monitor the situation closely, ensuring that justice is served and that similar incidents are prevented in the future.