Gang-Rape Victim Dies; Six Men Charged With Murder
A young woman who was the victim of gang-rape in India died early Saturday. The 23-year-old's death has sparked protests in the country.
The woman, who was raped in a moving bus, has not been identified but protesters are calling her Damini.
She was in "extremely critical condition" when she was admitted to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore on Thursday after spending over a week at a local hospital..
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According to Dr. Kelvin Loh, chief executive officer at the hospital, she suffered from "sever organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain."
"She was courageous in fighting for her life for so long against the odds, but the trauma to her body was too severe for her to overcome," Loh said.
The attack took place on Dec. 16 when a group of men assaulted the woman and her male companion on a bus. The two were robbed, beaten and stripped. The woman was raped and an iron rod was inserted into her body, causing severe organ damage. They were then thrown off the bus, according to police.
Protesters in New Delhi are angry over the regular sexual harassment and assault that women face in the country.
"Today we pledge that the victim will get justice," said Sonia Gandhi, president of the Congress Party, according to The New York Times.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also said they would take action to enhance the security of women. "It would be a true homage to her memory if we are able to channelize these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action."
Six men have been charged with murder.
