Delhi gang-rape case to be fast-tracked

INDIA: The case against five Indian men charged with the gang-rape and murder of a student is set to be moved to a fast-track court Thursday after a lawyer said three of the accused would deny the charges.

The five are all due to make their second appearance before a district court in New Delhi after their first appearance on Monday was marred by chaotic scenes which led the presiding magistrate to order the court to be cleared.

A senior court officer said on Monday that the case would be transferred to a fast-track trial court during Thursday's hearing which will take place behind closed doors, as is standard here in rape cases.

Three of the accused will be defended by the lawyer M.L. Sharma who has said his clients would plead not guilty when the case reaches the fast-track court.

The other two defendants have yet to get themselves lawyer while a sixth accused, who is 17, is to be tried in a juvenile court.

AFP