Delhi gang-rape victim's family favours open court hearing

BALLIA,UP: The family of the 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim today favoured open court hearing in the case and said this would enable information to reach the people.

They would otherwise not come to know of the developments and this might weaken the people's anger, and the agitation going on against the rape and demands for a strict anti-rape law, her family told PTI here today.

The victim's grandfather took strong exception to Asaram Bapu's remarks terming the media and his critics as "barking dogs," saying that it "only indicated his mentality."

A local court on January 7 had ordered in-camera proceedings and a ban on media coverage of the case. High drama and commotion was also witnessed over providing counsel for the accused.

Meanwhile, construction work has started in the victim's native Medawar Kala village ahead of her 'terahi' (ritual related to death) on January 12. Some VVIPs are expected to arrive here for the purpose.

A helipad is being prepared in the village, roads and drains are also being repaired.