New Delhi police filed charges against the five men accused of gang raping a 23-year-old medical student and then throwing her out of a moving bus. The case was filed in a special court set up to expedite cases of rape and violence against woman, a creation that has resulted from the unwavering protests that have persisted in India after the incident.
The fifth accused rapist is also charged, but since he is under the age of 18, he will be tried in juvenile court.
The unnamed victim of a vicious gang rape died Friday night after suffering multiple organ failures earlier that day.
Dr. Kevin Loh, the chief executive of Mount Elizabeth hospital, Singapore where she was being treated released a statement indicating, "Despite all efforts by a team of eight specialists in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to keep her stable, her condition continued to deteriorate over these two days. She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain," as reported on The Hindu.
The 23-year-old medical was brutally beaten, then gang raped and thrown out of a moving bus in New Delhi, India's capital on Dec 16.The identity of the girl remains undisclosed, but media and people are calling the victim "Amanat," which in Urdu translates to treasure.
"She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome...The Mount Elizabeth Hospital team of doctors, nurses and staff join her family in mourning her loss," said Dr. Loh to The Hindu.
The incident has evoked great reaction from the Indian people, who have been continuously demonstrating on the streets all over the country urging the government to pass tighter legislation to ensure protection of women. Demonstrators are also pushing the government to change its punishment for crimes of rape to capital punishment, particular in this case.
The social media has also been a popular forum for protests; many people across India have changed their Facebook and Twitter profile pictures to a black dot against a white background to show support to the victim.
The traditional media is also voicing criticism of the government's treatment of violence against women cases.
The Indian Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh told reporters on Friday, "We share the anguish and anger with the country over this heinous crime," Prime Minister Singh told reporters on Friday. "Our prayers are with the brave young girl and best possible medical care is being provided to her," as reported by Reuters.
- Contribute to this Story:
- Send us a tip
- Send us a photo or video
- Suggest a correction
