Delhi gangrape: Victim's kin contradict her friend's version

Ballia (UP), Jan 11: Contrary to the claims made by the

's friend, her father and brother on Thursday said she had "never complained of any laxity" on the part of Delhi

in rushing her to the hospital.

"In fact, after the incident, Delhi Police had extended its cooperation," said a family member.

The victim's friend had, in a television interview, severely criticised the Delhi Police for its tardy response and bemoaned public apathy after both of them had been thrown out of the bus.

The Home Ministry has ordered a probe into the allegation made by the victim's friends that police response to their distress call was slow.

A joint-secretary level officer of the ministry will investigate the veracity of the claim by the software engineer that even after reaching on the spot on the night of Dec 16, the police were arguing over jurisdiction of the case and were hesitant to lift the victim, losing crucial time.

Reacting to three of the accused Ram Singh, Mukesh Singh and Akshay Thakur not accepting the charges and their counsel telling the court that they will face the trial, the family said that there is enough evidence to nail the accused and ensure a death sentence and that "the trial would only delay the punishment".

On a TV channel launching a drive for awarding the victim's friend for his bravery, the family said that though he showed courage, it was not enough.

"Had he done something more, like breaking the window pane of the bus and drawing attention of the passersby, the incident could have been averted," a family member said, adding that it was the deceased who had displayed immense courage and battled with the accused.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit had called them on Wednesday to inquire about the family and also talked about economic assistance, the family said.

The victim succumbed to her injuries at a Singapore hospital on Dec 29, after battling for nearly two weeks.

PTI