Delhi minor's rape: Order on framing of charges July 11

A Delhi court Saturday fixed July 11 for giving its order on whether to frame charges against two people arrested in a five-year-old girl's rape and torture, which sparked a public outcry.

Additional Sessions Judge Sanjay Garg will pass the order in the case in which Manoj Shah, 22, and Pradeep Kumar, 20, were arrested for allegedly brutalising their minor neighbour in east Delhi's Gandhi Nagar in April.

Judge Garg, who is presiding over the special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, took on record a report filed by the Tihar Jail authorities for security of accused Pradeep, who had complained of being beaten up by undertrial in the prison van.

In its report the jail authorities said Pradeep would now be brought to court in a separate vehicle from jail.

On May 24, Delhi Police filed a charge sheet against the two accused for sexual assault, kidnapping, wrongful confinement, attempt to murder and destruction of evidence.

The offences carry a maximum punishment of life term.

Manoj and Pradeep allegedly raped the child April 15 in a building where the victim and they themselves lived.

The girl was abducted and kept hostage for two days without food and water in the room in which the attackers lived on the ground floor of the building, police said.

The girl was rescued when members of her family heard her screams April 17, police said.

Soon after the incident, activists and politicians had protested against the incident outside the area police station, demanding prompt action against the accused.