Delhi gangrape: HC questions police over lax security measures

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Wednesday took cognisance of the gangrape of a 23-year-old medical student inside a moving bus in the state. The Delhi High Court has appointed five special courts for rape and assault cases after receiving a letter by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Tuesday.

The Delhi Police have assured that the chargesheet in this case will be filed in a month. Coming down heavily on the Delhi Police, the High court said that people are losing hope in police and judiciary and questioned officials about the lax security measures which led to the horrific incident.

The High Court has also asked the Delhi Police Commissioner to give details in two days about policemen patrolling the area where the girl was raped for 40 minutes in a moving bus. The court has asked the Delhi Government to provide best medical facilities to the victim and her male friend, who was beaten up and thrown out of the bus with the victim.

The Delhi High Court has also appointed five special courts for rape and assault cases after a letter from Sheila Dikshit.

The 23-year-old victim continues to fight for her life. Doctors treating her say some of her vital organs have been permenantly damaged and she's suffering from a blood infection. She has been on ventilator support now for over 60 hours now. A medical bulletin is expected on Wednesday evening.

Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde met top Delhi Police officials on Wednesday. Shinde discussed ways to prevent such crimes from occurring again at the meeting. "I have just met the Police chief, RTO, Home secretary, even junior police officers from the area. We have taken some decisions. Parliament is on, so I won't be able say anything right now. I will speak in Parliament at 12 noon," Shinde said.

Sources say that it has been decided that tinted glasses and curtains will be removed from buses and the driver's number and licence will be displayed on the bus. On Tuesday, at a press conference, the Delhi Police Commissioner said that the curtains of the bus hid the crime.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj once again called for a death sentence for the culprits in the case within 30 days. "This case should be held in a fast-track court and come to the decision to hang the guilty in 30 days," she said.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has called meeting of all women groups in Delhi at 6 pm on Wednesday. "I want a consensus among all political parties on whether the Delhi Police and law and order should be under the Delhi government," Dikshit told CNN-IBN.

This comes hours after Congress President Sonia Gandhi sent letters to Shinde and Dikshit seeking immediate action. Sonia Gandhi also visited the victim's family at Safdarjung Hospital late on Tuesday night and inquired about the victim's health.

Four people, including the prime accused, have been arrested. Bus driver Ram Singh has been sent to five-day custody. Police say all six accused will now be charged with attempt to murder. Two accused, though, are still absconding.

Also See

• Delhi gangrape: No tinted glasses and curtains to be allowed in buses
• Delhi gangrape: Sonia visits victim in hospital, asks Delhi CM to take strictest measures
• Delhi gangrape: Some vital organs of victim permanently damaged, say doctors
• Delhi gangrape: What the main accused Ram Singh told police

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