M A I N   N E W S

Gang-rape victim dies; nation in grief
Tribune news service

New Delhi, December 29
India today woke up to a heartrending report of the death of the 23-year-old girl, victim of the December 16 brutal gang rape in the capital, spreading a pall of gloom and evoking spontaneous yet peaceful protests across the country.

Swelling in brain proved fatal Serious swelling in the brain resulting from the cardiac arrest she suffered a few days ago was an "important cause" that led to the death of 23-year-old gang-rape victim who fought for her life with "great fortitude and courage". Cerebral edema, a condition characterised by excess accumulation of water in the intracellular or extracellular spaces of the brain, proved fatal in the case of the paramedic student who was airlifted to Singapore for specialised treatment. The young girl suffered a cardiac arrest on Tuesday night which caused severe injuries to her brain as well. Complications in brain along with multi-organ failure took the life of the victim

“We are very sad to report that the patient passed away peacefully at 4.45 am (2.15 am IST),” Dr Kelvin Loh, chief executive officer of the Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore, said in a statement on Saturday.

Her family and officials from the Indian High Commission were by her side. After conducting a post-mortem examination, the body was flown back home by a special plane.

The Delhi Police added murder to the list of charges in the FIR against the six suspects arrested for the alleged crime in a moving bus.

The sad tidings plunged the nation into grief with people and personalities in various towns and cities mourning the death of a person whom President Pranab Mukherjee described as “one who symbolises the best of Indian youth and women and who fought till the very last minute for her dignity and her life”.

The President led the nation in paying tributes to the courageous girl and conveying condolences to the bereaved family. He assured that her death would not be in vain and to do everything possible to ensure that such an incident never recurs.

Vice-President Hamid Ansari hoped this tragedy would “compel us as a people to focus on social norms and practices which are violative of human rights and an impediment to progress.”

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said a true tribute to her memory would be if “we are able to channelise these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action”.

Tight security in place in New Delhi.

He underscored the need for a dispassionate debate and inquiry into the critical changes that are required in societal attitudes.

On her part, Congress president Sonia Gandhi promised a swift and fitting punishment stating that the nation’s “beloved daughter” would get justice and joined leaders in appealing to the people to remain calm.

In the national capital, police beefed up security and erected barricades preventing access to Raisina Hill and India Gate, the scene of violent clashes between the police and protesters last Sunday.

Aimed at restricting movement of people, authorities shut down 10 metro stations in the prime Lutyen’s Zone area, but could not prevent assembly by hundreds who braved chilly winds to reach Jantar Mantar, the popular plaza for democratic dissent located a street away from Parliament House.

Police adds murder charge

Cong core group meets

• The Congress core group met today for the second time this week to assess the fall-out this incident and the way forward.

• Although the situation is under control, the scale of the protests and the simmering anger against the ruling UPA government for its handling of this incident has unnerved the Congress top brass.

• The core group, headed by party president Sonia Gandhi, had met last Tuesday at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s official residence to review the situation following the police crackdown on the anti-rape protesters at India Gate. Sonia Gandhi had expressed her displeasure at the police action.

She symbolised the best of Indian youth and women and who fought till the very last minute for her dignity and her life. Her death will not be in vain and we will do everything possible to ensure that such an incident never recurs. — Pranab Mukherjee, President This tragedy will compel us as a people to focus on social norms and practices which are violative of human rights and an impediment to progress. — Hamid Ansari, Vice-President A true tribute to her memory will be if we are able to channelise these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action. There is a need for a dispassionate debate and inquiry into the critical changes that are required in societal attitudes. — Manmohan Singh, Prime Minister The incident deepens our determination to battle the shameful social attitudes that allow men to rape women with such impunity. The nation’s daughter will get justice. — Sonia Gandhi, Congress President