Delhi gang-rape case: Verdict for juvenile accused on July 25

Mangalore Today/DHNS

New Delhi, July 11: A verdict on the role of the juvenile accused in the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old medical student on a moving bus in Delhi on December 16 last year, is now expected two weeks later, on July 25.

Today the Juvenile Justice Board gave order on a second case against the accused - that of allegedly robbing a carpenter on the same day as the gang rape. The carpenter had boarded the private bus some time before the student and a friend accompanying her did and had alleged that he was robbed and thrown out of the vehicle.

Today’s order was served in sealed cover and the board has barred the media from writing about or airing its verdict in both cases. Verdict on whether the accused, who was a minor in December and turned 18 last month, will be convicted or not for rape and murder among other charges, will be given on July 25.

The student’s family, which was in the courtroom today, was extremely disappointed. As they prepared to leave for the board office this morning, her father had said, "Three years punishment is not enough. Now that the juvenile is 18, he should be treated like the rest. We want nothing but the death sentence for all six accused, including the juvenile." (Read)

According to law, if found guilty, the maximum sentence the juvenile faces today is three years in a correctional facility or special home, including the time he has already spent in custody. More lenient punishment could mean being admonished and asked to participate in community service or being put under the care of his parents or a probation officer. (Read)
 
Whatever the verdict, his name and role in the crime will remain permanently sealed. The crime will also not reflect when he seeks employment in the future.
 
The sentence is likely to cause further outrage in a country attempting to turn a rising tide of violence against women and which has passed a new law toughening sentences for adults convicted of sex crimes.
 
The trial of four adult suspects continues but is expected to wrap up in the next few months, with the men facing a possible death sentence if convicted of rape and murder.

The fifth adult, Ram Singh, allegedly committed suicide in jail.