Indian gang rape accused formally charged

2013-01-03 3,217

One of the men accused of savagely beating and raping a 23-year-old New Delhi woman last month.

On Thursday, the five adult suspects are set to be charged with her murder.

A teenager was also arrested.

The unnamed physiotherapy student succumbed to her injuries and died in a Singapore hospital.

That prompted massive protests and outrage among Indians fighting for gender equality and the protection of women.

It has also put the spotlight on the widespread issue of violence against women that continues to plague India.

Rape, child marriages, acid attacks, honour killings, human trafficking and dowry murders are common across the country.

Although politicians have condemned the rape, everyday citizens say not enough was done to prevent the incident and are calling for harsher penalties against those guilty of such offenses.

That same day, the dead student's father called for those found guilty of her rape and killing to be hanged.