Delhi gang rape victim’s family seeks death penalty for accused

Five men accused of the gang rape and murder of an Indian student pleaded not guilty yesterday in a case that has sparked huge protests and led ministers to back tougher penalties, including death, for rapists.
A fast-track court paved the way for the trial from Tuesday of the five men — accused of gang-raping the 23-year-old woman in Delhi in a moving bus on Dec. 16, 2012 — by framing charges against them. The charges of murder, gang rape and kidnapping, among others, were framed against the accused, TOI said.
The other charges are unnatural offense, destruction of evidence, attempt to murder, causing hurt while committing robbery, dacoity with murder, and common intent.
The Juvenile Justice Board declared the sixth accused a minor last month, and his case will be heard by the board.
When the victim’s family was informed about the fast-track court’s decision, the father of the 23-year-old woman said that he was happy about the decision.
“I feel that the five accused, except of the sixth who is a juvenile, will be convicted by the end of Feb,” he said.
The victim’s younger brother said: “I request to sentence the five accused to be hanged.”
The woman died on Dec. 29 in a Singapore hospital where she had been airlifted for specialized treatment.