India gang rape case to be fast-tracked

2013-01-14 11:03

Indian lawyer ML Sharma, who represents two of the five adult defendants on trial for the gang-rape of a student, speaks with the media outside the Saket District Court in New Delhi. (File, AFP)

New Delhi - The gang rape and murder of an Indian student was expected to be transferred to a fast-track court this week, lawyers connected with the case said.

Judge Namrita Aggarwal is still studying court documents before assigning the case to a special trial court, defence lawyer Manohar Lal Sharma said.

Sharma and other defence lawyers requested copies of the charges in Hindi, as the police had provided these documents in English, which their clients do not understand.

"These formalities could be completed in the next few days. We expect the case to be transferred to the fast-track court by later this week," Sharma said.

Judge Aggarwal has been holding preliminary hearings behind closed doors, after chaotic scenes in the public gallery last week caused her to clear the courtroom.

The rape and murder of the 23-year-old physiotherapy student in New Delhi in mid-December sparked widespread outrage and protests.

Five men have been charged with abduction, rape and murder. A sixth suspect is to be tried by a juvenile court if his claim to be 17 years old is verified.

- SAPA