Police order tests on sixth accused to confirm he is a juvenile. Adult suspects face death penalty if convicted
Indian police say they expect to formally charge five suspects with murder over the death of the 23-year-old woman who was raped on a moving bus in New Delhi. The sixth suspect in the case that has outraged the country is under 18 and a juvenile.
Police ordered a bone test for the sixth accused to confirm his age, the Associated Press reported. Under Indian law, a juvenile cannot be prosecuted for murder.
New Delhi police said on Tuesday that a charge sheet in the case would be filed in court on Thursday. The suspects face the death penalty if convicted.
The physiotherapy student died last week in a Singapore hospital where she had been sent for emergency treatment after the crime in India's capital on 16 December.
The case has triggered protests across India and raised questions about lax attitudes by police towards sexual crimes.
Protesters and politicians from across the spectrum called for a special session of parliament to pass new laws to increase punishments for rapists – including possible chemical castration – and to set up fast-track courts to deal with rape cases within 90 days.
Thousands of Indians have lit candles, held prayer meetings and marched through various cities and towns to express their grief and demand stronger protection for women and the death penalty for rape, which is now punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment.
On Monday, the Indian army and navy cancelled their new year celebrations, as did Sonia Gandhi, head of the ruling Congress party. Several hotels and clubs across the capital also did not hold their usual parties.
Women face daily harassment across India, including catcalls on the streets and groping and touching on public transport.
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Guardian