Jamshed’s ton sets up Pakistan's series win

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Jamshed’s ton sets up Pakistan's series win

Clean Media Correspondent

Kolkata, Jan 03 (CMC) Insipid batting ensured yet another defeat for India against Pakistan at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday.

Chasing a tough, but achievable, target of 251, the Indian batting failed to measure up to the expectations of the capacity crowd to lose by 85 runs in the second One-Day International, thus surrendering the three-match series. India was dismissed for 165 with two overs to spare.

Except for a 42-run opening-wicket partnership and a late charge by skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni with an unbeaten 54, the famed Indian batting had nothing to offer against an attack that was disciplined and effective. While the Indian pacers were found wanting in the early part of the day, the Pakistani pace battery of Mohammad Irfan, Junaid Khan and Umar Gul showed how to move the ball. The spinners teased, tormented and finally embarrassed the Indian batsmen.

Pakistan’s opening batsman Nasir Jamshed was adjudged the Man-of-the-Match for his superb 106.

Perfect record

The two teams met for the fourth time in this format at this venue and Pakistan has won every time. This victory ought to taste sweet to the visitors, for it was achieved through proper planning and hard work. The Indian batting too made Pakistan’s task easier.

Gautam Gambhir dragged a harmless ball that was going outside the off-stump onto his stumps and Virat Kohli managed to tickle one going down the leg-side to be taken behind brilliantly by Kamran Akmal.

Umar Gul brought one back sharply and Virender Sehwag’s static figure was in front of the wicket.

Yuvraj Singh tried to swat a short-pitched one from Gul and managed to bottom-edge it to the ’keeper. Suresh Raina was drawn full stretch forward by Mohammad Hafeez and was stumped.

The top order of the famed Indian batting line-up was back in the pavilion before the total could cross 100. Dhoni stood amongst his team’s ruins with a fighting half-century.

The crowd had hoped for a blitzkrieg from Ravindra Jadeja and his captain, in IPL style. When nothing materialised, the gathering began to melt away not willing to watch an Indian defeat.

Pacers disappoint

Earlier, overnight rain and overcast sky compelled Dhoni to ask Pakistan to bat first hoping for some lateral movement in the air and off the pitch.

The new ball bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ashoke Dinda, found the pitch not responding and looked ordinary as the Pakistani openers Jamshed and Mohammad Hafeez made the most of the conditions to prosper.

The two began to flourish after a cautious start during which a couple of sharp chances were not taken by the Indians.

They brought up the team’s 100 in 17 overs. After Hafeez reached his 15th half-century in this format, came Jamshed’s 50 off 55 balls with nine delectable fours.

Hafeez, who looked more adventurous, was the first to leave at his personal score of 76 that came off 74 balls with 10 boundaries.

The 141-run partnership of 143 balls for the opening wicket was the best at this venue for Pakistan. This was the fifth century partnership for the duo in nine ODIs.

Azhar Ali came in and left quickly before Younis Khan joined a free-stroking Jamshed in the middle.

Third century

The 23-year-old left-hander brought up the third century of his career — all against India — with a lofted off-drive off Ashwin for four. He fell to Jadeja trying to step out and drive. The ball first ricocheted off Dhoni’s gloves but an alert Indian captain managed to push the ball onto the stumps.

Jamshed’s 106 off 124 balls with a dozen hits to the fence and two over it, was his second three-figure knock of the series and fourth overall.

Jamshed has scored two hundreds and remained unbeaten on two occasions in four innings against India.

Pakistan’s middle-order caved in as left-arm spinner Jadeja cleverly mixed his pace to fox three Pakistani batsmen.

After Jadeja’s success with the ball, Ishant Sharma got into the act to lower the colours of the tail with a haul of three for 34 to end the innings at 250 in 48.3 overs.

Pakistan went into the game with an unchanged eleven while India made one change by including Jadeja in place of the out-of-form Rohit Sharma.

Delhi gang-rape case: Chargesheet seeks death for 5 accused, leaves out minor

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Delhi gang-rape case: Chargesheet seeks death for 5 accused, leaves out minor
Clean Media Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Jan 03 (CMC) Seeking the maximum of death penalty for five of the Nirbhaya gang rape accused, police on Thursday charged them under various IPC sections, including murder and gang rape.

In their bid to speed up the trial, police took the unusual step of filing the chargesheet without incorporating the victim's postmorterm report —the most crucial evidence in the case—as it is still to be received from Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital, where the 23-year-old paramedic had died.

In the chargesheet filed before duty metropolitan magistrate Surya Malik Grover at 5.40pm, police named the accused as Ram Singh, Mukesh, Vinay Sharma, Pawan Gupta and Akshay Thakur. They have also asked for the trial to be held in-camera to protect the identity of the girl.

The sixth accused, a juvenile, was not named as his case is being heard by the Juvenile Justice Board. The 33-page chargesheet has annexures running into over 1,000 pages.

The accused have also been charged with section 377 (unnatural sex), 201 (destruction of evidence), 307 (attempt to murder), 365 (kidnapping or abduction with intent to secretly or wrongfully confine a person), 394 (voluntarily causing hurt in committing robbery), 395 (dacoity), 396 (dacoity with murder), 34 (common intention) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).

Sources said criminal conspiracy has been added in the chargsheet as investigations have revealed that the crime was committed in a "pre-planned manner".

In its 33-page chargesheet, with annexures running over 1,000 pages, police gave the statement of the victim, her male friend, their parents, police officers, CFSL officers, DNA reports and the statement of doctors at Safdarjung Hospital, where the girl was initially admitted.

The postmorterm report will be filed later in a supplementary chargesheet. "We have not received the report from Singapore," Commissioner of Police Neeraj Kumar told CMC. Sources said the supplementary chargesheet will be filed within 10 days.

With 50 prosecution witnesses listed in the chargesheet, police have given a detailed account of the crime committed by the six, the victim's treatment at Safdarjung followed by her journey to Singapore and her subsequent death on December 29.

The chargesheet was filed by special public prosecutor Rajiv Mohan along with SHO (Vasant Vihar) Anil Sharma, who moved an application before the court urging it to keep the document in a sealed cover to protect the identity of the victim and asked for the proceedings to be held in-camera. Rajiv Mohan, who appears in all the terror related cases for Delhi Police, will appear along with Special Public Prosecutor Dayan Krishnan during the trial.

The court has posted the matter for hearing on January 5 before the area magistrate, who is expected to commit it to the sessions court for trial. During the hearing, Mohan said that the police will file an e-challan in a couple of days with the other remaining documents.

Among the important evidence, the chargesheet has statements of both victims recorded under section 164 of CrPC. It also has the statement of their parents, five doctors of Safdarjung Hospital and two doctors at Mount Elizabeth Hospital (recorded by the investigating officer on December 29).

The CCTV footage of Hotel Delhi 37, which shows bus (DL1PB-0149) on the move on December 16, is also part of the chargesheet.

Other documents include statement of bus owner Dinesh Yadav, papers showing recovery of mobile phones of the victims from the accused, their ATM cards, the iron rod used to hit the victims and other forensic evidence. Mohan later told reporters that the DNA report had established the involvement of all the accused in the crime.

Having filed the chargesheet within 18 days of the incident, Neeraj Kumar said he was happy with the outcome. "We are more than satisfied. We have a very strong case. Our chargesheet spells out the efforts made by the investigation team and arrests made in the case," he said.

According to sources, the chargesheet says the five accused "were on a joyride, which started in the evening itself and they were in a mood to harm people on December 16, 2012".

"Being a Sunday, main accused Ram Singh and his helper, Akshay Thakur alias Bihari, had a small party along with the former's younger brother Mukesh (a driver-cum-helper). They decided to go for a joyride and have fun while picking some extra bucks from giving lift to people so that more drinks could be bought. The helper Akshay then took out the vehicle and Vinay, Pawan and a juvenile joined them for the bus ride. They left with Mukesh driving the bus," said a source quoting from the document.

"At the Munirka bus stand, they called out to collect passengers and the couple boarded it. The accused charged them Rs 20 (Rs 10 each) as fare. They passed comments on the girl, to which her male friend objected. They (accused) picked up a fight and the boy was hit on his head with an iron rod. The girl also fought with them to save her friend but was hit," says the chargesheet, according to sources.

"They (accused) were enraged and dragged the girl to a backseat where they sexually assaulted her, while two of them caught hold of the male friend near the driver's seat," it adds. The chargesheet, sources said, states that the girl was assaulted for more than 30 minutes before both victims were dumped around 10.15pm at NH-8, near the Mahipalpur flyover.

‘Rapist’ Congress leader stripped by women

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‘Rapist’ Congress leader stripped by women
Clean Media Correspondent

Guwahati, Jan 03 (CMC) Even though there was a country-wide protest against the gang-rape and murder of a paramedical student in Delhi, a woman was allegedly raped by a prominent Congress leader in Assam. Bikramsingh Brahma was arrested after the woman’s husband lodged an FIR at a police station. The incident took place at Shantipur in Chirang district of Bodoland Territorial Autonomous Districts (BTAD) in the wee hours of Thursday.

“In the FIR, the husband alleged that the woman was raped by Brahma. The accused confessed to his crime,” Chirang district superintendent of police Kumar Sanjeev Krishna told CMC. He added: “The accused is in our custody. Law will take its own course”.

Brahma, a Congress coordinator in BTAD and chairman of the party’s Baksa district SC cell, was caught red handed when the woman, mother of two children, raised an alarm. The locals claimed that Brahma had forced his way into the house at 2am of Thursday to commit the crime. However, the victim’s husband said the accused was a family acquaintance.

“We came to know him about three months back. He came to our house last (Wednesday) evening,” the husband told journalists.

Earlier when the news about the alleged rape spread, angry locals, mostly women, bashed up the accused. They also damaged his vehicle. The incident has jolted the ruling Congress in the state as it prepares for the upcoming panchayat polls. The Chirang district Congress said Brahma was a victim of a political conspiracy. “He is a victim of a political conspiracy. The members of the house where he went are all supporters of Bodoland People’s Front,” the district Congress claimed.

Munda rejects JMM's claim of rotational power sharing

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Munda rejects JMM's claim of rotational power sharing
Clean Media Correspondent

Ranchi, Jan 03 (CMC) Jharkhand chief minister Arjun Munda on Thursday said he had in writing rejected major ally JMM’s claim that there was a purported power sharing deal between the BJP and the JMM and that the latter has to take a decision keeping stability of the government in mind.

“The issue (power sharing deal) which they (JMM) have raised had not been placed (during formation of government,” Munda told a press conference here without naming Jharkhand Mukti Morcha.

He was replying to a media query as to what he had replied on the JMM’s claim of 28-month-each-side power sharing formula.

“I have given point-wise replies to the issues raised through a letter by the ally (JMM) and given to me by the party’s legislature leader (Hemant Soren)", he said.

“And I believe they will discuss on it, keeping the coalition’s effort in providing a stable government for the last two years and will continue in the future too,” he said and expected that the coalition parties would keep Jharkhand’s interest in mind while taking a decision on his reply.

Soren had on Christmas Day submitted to the chief minister a list of certain issues, including clearing Munda’s stand on the purported rotational power sharing for 28 months each.

The JMM has convened two meetings on January 6 and January 10 to discuss the prevailing political situation and take a final decision on it.

Asked whether state's image was tarnished by political instability, Munda said any decision on the future of the alliance should be taken keeping Jharkhand's image in mind.

"Jharkhand's image in the public eye has been very bad, and I have tried to improve it during the last two years and I am getting good results. I would like it to be carried forward in the interest of the state's progress," Munda told a press conference here.

"This is the responsibility of all political parties," he said.

Criticising the Congress, Munda said "Democracy is all about having majority for one party or for an alliance. I would welcome if Congress has a desire to provide leadership to the state and if it has the numbers to form government, because the state requires stability."

"Stability and progress are the need of the hour for Jharkhand," Munda said.

Later, JMM leader and deputy chief minister Hemant Soren said everything would be cleared by January 10.

"We have received the letter from the chief minister. There are two meetings of the party on January 6 and 10, and by January 10 everything will be cleared," Soren told a local news channel.

Sensex hits 2-year high, up 133 points on capital inflows

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Sensex hits 2-year high, up 133 points on capital inflows
Clean Media Correspondent

MUMBAI, Jan 02 (CMC) The BSE benchmark Sensex shot up 133 points to hit two-year high on increased buying in consumer durables and capital goods stocks amid persistent capital inflows after the US Congress approved a deal to avert "fiscal cliff". 

After opening on a strong footing at 19,693.30 points, the benchmark continued its upward march to touch session's high of 19,756.68 before settling 133.43 points, or 0.68 per cent higher at 19,714.24 points, its highest closing since January 6, 2011. 

The 50-scrip NSE index Nifty, which breached the 6,000 mark during the session for the first time since January 2011, slipped back partially to close at 5,993.25 points, gaining 42.40 points, or 0.71 per cent. It touched session's high of 6,006.05. 

Overcoming Republican resistance, the US House of Representatives late yesterday night passed the "fiscal cliff" bill by 257 to 167 votes, ending a dramatic New Year's Day showdown over income taxes and deep federal spending cuts. 

Firm trends in European markets, which rallied to a 19-month high, also boosted the sentiment. 

Analysts said besides positive cues from global markets, the country's manufacturing growth, which improved further in December, registering the fastest pace in six months generated buying activity here. 

"Fuelling the rally in the market was expectation that RBI may cut interest rates," said Delhi-based broker Deepka Pahwa. 

Overall, 23 of the 30 Sensex scrips registered gains, while 7 closed with losses.

Gujarat govt to implement Supreme Court verdict on lokayukta soon

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Gujarat govt to implement Supreme Court verdict on lokayukta soon
Clean Media Correspondent

AHMEDABAD/NEW DELHI, Jan 02 (CMC) Gujarat government on Wednesday said it would soon implement the verdict of the Supreme Court upholding the appointment of Justice (retd) RA Mehta as lokayukta even as Congress alleged it kept the anti-corruption ombudsman post vacant using "delaying tactics".

The judgement, which was a setback to the Narendra Modi government, was welcomed by Congress and social activists who said it was a victory of constitutional governance and the rule of law over the "arrogance of power."

Justice Mehta on his part said the state government's attitude will not be a challenge in handling his responsibilities.

"I don't think Modi government's attitude will be a challenge for lokayukta," Mehta said in reply to a query by mediapersons on government's alleged indifferent attitude over appointment of lokayukta in Gujarat.

"We will soon implement the Supreme Court judgement on lokayukta," Gujarat law minister Bhupindersinh Chudasama told reporters in Ahmedabad.

Chudasama also sought to derive some comfort from the judgement, saying, "The Supreme Court has partially accepted Gujarat government's contention that Governor has to act as per the advice of the Council of Ministers."

The Gujarat government and the governor were at loggerheads on the lokayukta appointment issue. In an unprecedented move, Kamla Beniwal appointed Justice Mehta as lokayukta in August 2011, by-passing the Narendra Modi-led BJP government triggering a legal battle. The lokayukta post has remained vacant for eight years.

Congress and NGOs in Gujarat while welcoming the judgement said it will expose the state government's alleged corrupt practices.

"We welcome the decision. The governor's decision to appoint lokayukta was legal and within her constitutional rights ... Better late than never ..." Former Congress legislature party (CLP) leader Shaktisinh Gohil said. Gohil accused the state government of using delaying tactics.

Targetting BJP, Union information and broadcasting minister Manish Tewari said it has never shied away from "crying hoarse" on issues of alleged discretion and corruption across the country but was "shy of even appointing a lokayukta when its comes to its own backyard".

BJP state spokesperson Vijay Rupani said, "Let us get a copy of the Supreme Court verdict. We will study it and then comment."

Delhi gang-rape: Fast-track court inaugurated

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Delhi gang-rape: Fast-track court inaugurated
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Jan 02 (CMC) Chief Justice Altamas Kabir on Wednesday inaugurated a fast-track court here to hear the gang-rape and murder case of the 23-year-old medical student. 

Speaking on the occasion, CJI Kabir said, “It's good to know that after the December 16 tragic incident, people have started raising their voice on crime against women.” 

The fast-track court in Saket is among the four that are being set up to handle all cases related to crimes against women. The other fast-track courts will function at Dwarka, Rohini and Tis Hazari. All these courts will start functioning from tomorrow onwards. 

The girl was gang-raped and brutally assaulted with an iron rod on December 16 in a moving bus in South Delhi by six men. Despite the efforts put in by a big team of doctors, she died on Saturday in a Singapore hospital. 

All the six accused are under arrest and would be tried for murder among other charges. The Delhi Police is said to have prepared a 1000-page chargesheet and would urge the court to take the case as rarest of rare and award death penalty to the accused. 

The chargesheet is expected to be submitted in the magistrate court in Saket tomorrow before being moved to the fast-track court.

Supreme Court rules against Narendra Modi on Lokauykta, but slams governor

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Supreme Court rules against Narendra Modi on Lokauykta, but slams governor
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Jan 02 (CMC) The Supreme Court today rejected Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi's contention that the Lokayukta or ombudsman of his state was inappropriately selected and must therefore be removed.

Retired judge RA Mehta was selected as the Lokayukta in  August 2011 by Gujarat's Governor Kamla Beniwal - at the time, the post had been vacant for more than seven years.  

Mr Modi has argued that the Governor did not consult his cabinet for the appointment. The Supreme Court appeared to agree with that. It offered this severe feedback of the Governor.  

"The present Governor has misjudged her role and has insisted, that under the Act, 1986, the Council of Ministers has no role to play in the appointment of the Lokayukta, and that she could therefore, fill it up in consultation with the Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court and the Leader of Opposition. Such attitude is not in conformity, or in consonance with the democratic set up of government envisaged in our Constitution."

But the judges today found that though the Governor excluded the cabinet from consultations, "it is evident that the Chief Minister had full information and was in receipt of all communications from the Chief Justice."

The Supreme Court has also asked for comments made against Mr Modi by the Gujarat High Court to be expunged.  While declaring the appointment of Justice Mehta as the Lokayukta in January 2012, the High Court had said,  "The Chief Minister acted under a false impression that he could turn down the superiority and primacy of the opinion of the Chief Justice which was binding. The spiteful and challenging action demonstrates a false sense of invincibility."  

Narendra Modi impresses all with his New Year message

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Narendra Modi impresses all with his New Year message
Clean Media Correspondent

Ahmedabad, Jan 01 (CMC) The icon of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Narendra Modi inspired all with his motivating message on Twitter on the eve of New Year on Tuesday, Jan 1.
Modi, who has become the chief minister of Gujarat for fourth consecutive times, on Tuesday left a message on micro-blogging site Twitter tweeting, "May the Almighty bless all with prosperity, good health & happiness as we welcome 2013. Wishing all a Wonderful 2013."
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, the Gujarat CM also tweeted, "This is the time to decide your future - while you possess energy of youth. Work - this is the time!"
Modi's inspiring message surfaced at such a time when the young India was shaken by a brutal gang rape in the national capital (New Delhi) and has been demanding justice for the victim and more safety and security for women.
Modi recently visited Delhi. He was invited by the party workers to the headquarters following his latest victory in the assembly polls. It was the third consecutive poll victory for the high-profile leader after he replaced Keshubhai Patel as the Gujarat CM in 2001. Modi utilised the occasion to the maximum.
Modi did not attempt to restrain the party workers chanting 'PM, PM', a repeat of what he had done during his thanksgiving speech following the assembly poll victory. He said as a party worker, he has always carried out responsibilities the party had given him and would continue to do the same in the future. He told the party workers that in the BJP even the common people get a chance to carry out big responsibilities.

UP: Jilted lover allegedly sets 18-year old on fire, girl suffers 90 per cent burns

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UP: Jilted lover allegedly sets 18-year old on fire, girl suffers 90 per cent burns 
Clean Media Correspondent

Hathras, Jan 01 (CMC)  In yet another shocking crime against women, an 18-year old girl was allegedly set on fire in Uttar Pradesh's Hathras district by her jilted lover. Her family says the 42-year old man barged into her house and set her ablaze with kerosene oil.
The victim has suffered 90 per cent burns and is getting treatment at a hospital. The girl's father also allegedly got burn injuries when he tried to save her. The accused is on the run.
"The girl was home when Arjun (accused) came and set her on fire," said the girl's father. However, the police say they have not been able to establish the real course of the events.

Police say there are many versions of the story and the father of the girl may also have been involved.
"There are many versions of this story, we are not sure whether the accused (Arjun) or his father (Lekh Raja) set the girl on fire. However, the girl has said that it was Arjun who set her on fire," said the police.

Sensex gains after U.S. senate approves 'fiscal cliff' deal

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Sensex gains after U.S. senate approves 'fiscal cliff' deal
Clean Media Correspondent

MUMBAI, Jan 01 (CMC) The BSE Sensex rose on Tuesday after the U.S. averted the looming 'fiscal cliff' in a last-minute deal with hopes of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India beginning to gather steam, leading to gains in bank shares.

Analysts say with the New Year Day holidays, U.S. Congress still has time to draw up legislation and backdate it to avoid the harsh fiscal measures including tax hikes and spending cuts, which many fear could cripple the world economy in 2013.

While Indian stocks are expected to remain firm in January tracking expectations of a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India, negative local fundamentals, namely twin deficits and sticky inflation, may limit the out-performance in the near term.

"While the macro environment both domestically and globally does not inspire much confidence, at the micro level things are looking good," said Atul Kumar, Senior Fund Manager at Quantum Asset Management Company Pvt. Ltd.

The fiscal deficit is likely to exceed the target set by the government due to higher subsidy burden, which can also turn into a constraint for the RBI to cut rates, added Kumar.

The benchmark Sensex rose 0.79 percent, or 154.10 points, to end at 19,580.81 after earlier hitting its highest level intraday since Apr. 27, 2011.

The broader NSE Nifty rose 0.77 percent, or 45.75 points, to end at 5,950.85.

Option traders see the probability of the 50-stock index Nifty inching closer to 6,200 levels in the January derivative series which ends on January 31.

Banking stocks including ICICI Bank rose on expectations of a cut in interest rates by the Reserve Bank of India in January.

ICICI Bank ended up 1.8 percent, while State Bank of India ended 1.7 percent higher.

Shares in Indian steel companies including Tata Steel gained on expectations of better realisations as China plans to scrap a 40 percent export duty on metallurgical coke, a steelmaking raw material, from Tuesday.

Tata Steel gained 2.3 percent while Jindal Steel and Power ended 3 percent higher.

Shares in Glenmark Pharmaceuticals gained 1.9 percent after U.S. health regulators approved Salix Pharmaceuticals Ltd's drug to treat diarrhoea in HIV/AIDS patients on qantiretroviral therapy, a combination of medicines used to treat HIV infection.

Aurobindo Pharma Ltd rose 2.14 percent after it said in a statement that it has got final approvals from U.S. FDA for Rizatriptan Benzoate tablets and the product is ready for launch.

However, among stocks that fell, oil marketing companies fell on fading hopes of a hike in diesel price any time soon, dealers said.

Indian Oil Corp. fell 1.2 percent while Hindustan Petroleum Corporation ended 0.4 percent lower.

Man who sent hoax email to DGP nabbed

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Man who sent hoax email to DGP nabbed
Clean Media Correspondent

RANCHI, Jan 01 (CMC) Police on Monday arrested a 25-year-old man for allegedly sending a hoax mail to Jharkhand's director general of police following which the state was put on high alert keeping in mind the January ODI, the first international match to be hosted by the state. 

Md Irfan Khan, who is from Aghauta village under Manjhigao police station in Garhwa district, had created a Yahoo ID in the name of Danish Alam on December 8 from a cyber cafe in Lalpur to send the email. The email was created at 11.49 am and the email was sent minutes after. The Yahoo ID was used to send only that mail which warned police of bomb blasts in Ranchi, Delhi and Mumbai. 

The Jharkhand police had contacted Yahoo office in Singapore for information about the email ID. Ranchi SSP Saket Kumar Singh said, "The Singapore authorities co-operated with us and necessary support and information were provided. Preliminary investigations have revealed involvement of this boy in the case." 

The IP address provided by Yahoo authorities in Singapore matched that of the cyber cafe in Lalpur. Lalpur police officials said at the time the email was sent, Md Irfan Khan was the only person present in the cafe, the visitors' register there showed. 

cleanmediatoday.com: Happy New Year 2013 to all of you.

cleanmediatoday.com: Happy New Year 2013 to all of you.: cleanmediatoday.com Happy New Year 2013 to all of you. Editor,  Dr Sushma Dixit

cleanmediatoday.com

Happy New Year 2013 to all of you.

cleanmediatoday.com

Happy New Year 2013 to all of you.

Editor,  Dr Sushma Dixit

New Year celebrations sobered down protests against gangrape continue

cleanmediatoday.com


New Year celebrations sobered down, protests against gangrape continue
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 31 (CMC) Celebrations across the country to welcome New Year were toned down as India continued to mourn and  protest against violence on women, a day after Delhi gangrape victim was cremated under heavy security on Sunday.

Many hotels and organisations cancelled New Year's eve celebrations in New Delhi, Mumbai and other several cities as they felt the tragic death of 23-year-old woman had left people sad.

The usual buzz surrounding New Year was missing in Delhi today after the city witnessed the gruesome gangrape of a 23-year-old girl, who died two days ago, with lesser turnouts in hotspots like India Gate and Connaught Place.
Several clubs, including the Press Club of India and Delhi Gymkhana, and five-star hotels cancelled their New Year revelries following the death of the girl.

Protests were held at Jantar Mantar where a makeshift memorial was also built.

The mood at Connaught Place, the heart of New Delhi, was a modest affair unlike other years when there is a lot of pomp and celebrations.

It was a no-vehicle zone this evening at CP for controlling the crowd. Police personnel were in huge numbers there, keeping a close watch on the revellers.

During the day, a large number of students took out a march in Connaught Place protesting against the gangrape of the young girl. The Central Park in the CP was closed.

Though not like last year, people thronged popular markets and fun spots on New Year eve today in the capital where police kept a tight vigil to ensure that the festivities went ahead without any untoward incident.

City police has made elaborate security and traffic arrangements to ensure that the celebrations go off peacefully.

"It may be a new year for entire world but for Delhiites it is a sad day. If a person is not safe in Bus then were in Delhi is he or she safe. Earlier being a resident of Delhi we were afraid of terrorist attacks now we are afraid of rapists too," Karan Sharma said.

Expressing deep concern over thedeath of the Delhi gang-rape victim, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik today decided not to take part in any New Year celebrations

"The inhuman incident at Delhi has pained the entire country. Assault on women has severely hurt sentiments of the people. Therefore, Patnaik will not celebrate the New Year's Day," a spokesman of the chief minister's office (CMO) said.

UNI reported, the new year function to be held at the Madhya Pradesh Raj Bhavan on January 1 was cancelled. Governor Ram Naresh Yadav took the decision in the context of the Delhi gangrape, an official statement said.

There is a tradition to organise a new year function at the Bhavan every year during which the Governor interacts with distinguished citizens and others and exchanges new year greetings.

Protests continue
Students and women on Monday continued their protests in New Delhi against violence on women, a day after the city's gangrape victim was cremated under heavy security.

A large number of people, but mainly the young, gathered near the Jantar Mantar observatory in the heart of Delhi, pressing the government to enact strict legislation against rape and other crimes.

At least two people are on hunger strike at the spot.

"I'm on hunger strike for the past three days. I will continue my fast until fast-track courts come up to hear cases of sexual harassment," said Babusingh Ram, one of them.

Two protesters, who have been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding for death penalty for the Delhi gangrape accused,  have started developing health complications.

The doctor who checked on them said that one of them had a normal blood pressure, but a high pulse rate.

He said, "The other protester, who has been fasting for the past eight days, have started developing oral ulcers. I have requested him to eat, but he persists on continuing his strike."


Hunger strikers demonstrate following the death of a gangrape victim in New Delhi. AFP

The All India Students Association (AISA), affiliated to the Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist, said at least 1,000 members will stage a demonstration in Connaught Place on Monday.

Delhi Police have announced a ban on motor traffic in and around Connaught Place from 7pm on Monday on the occasion of New Year's Eve.

Three Delhi Metro Stations - Rajiv Chowk, Barakhamba Road and Patel Chowk - will close at 7.30pm on Monday. 

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organised a condolence meeting at Jantar Mantar to pay tribute to the victim, who succumbed to her injuries at a Singapore hospital on Saturday.

Senior BJP leaders including LK Advani, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj will also attend the ceremony.

The girl died after battling for life for 13 days after being brutally gangraped by six men in a moving bus.

Following a day of protests on Sunday across India over the brutal rape and killing, several cities held silent candle light vigils to remember the young woman.

The gang rape provoked protests and rare nationwide debate about violence against women in India.

In New Delhi, where the attack took place, a petition calling for the death penalty for rape gathered 100,000 signatures.

"In this petition we have put demands addressed to the government and the chairperson of National Women's Commission that the penalty for rape should only be the death sentence and nothing else," said Bharvik Aggarwal, chair of the Indraprastha Sanjivini Trust.

New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among India's major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, police figures show. Reported rape cases rose by nearly 17% between 2007 and 2011, according to government data.

"Being a woman, I feel it is not just about these six people who have been arrested. It is about everything that goes wrong against women. It is about child abuse, it is about domestic violence, it is about rape, it is about molestation, even teasing. And a very simple thing that we can do, both men and women, is that we need to raise our voices," said Anjali, a protester in Bangalore.

"If we see anything wrong happening, we need to raise our voice. If it is happening with us, we need to raise our voice. If it is in our surroundings that something wrong is happening, we need to raise our voice," she added.

"Actually we are not just protesting against the rape case that took place in Delhi. Many more rape cases are occurring daily all over the country. We have to stop this. So some changes must be made in the judiciary system and the administrative setup must be changed or strengthened," said Atul Pathak, who attended a candlelight vigil in Guwahati, Assam.

Six suspects were charged with murder after her death and face the death penalty if convicted.

Police have slapped murder charges, which has death penalty in rarest of rare cases, against the six accused and will file the chargesheet against them on January 3.

Delhi gang-rape case: Police charge sheet ready with 30 witnesses

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Delhi gang-rape case: Police charge sheet ready with 30 witnesses
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 31 (CMC) Delhi Police on Monday confirmed that they have finalised the chargesheet related to the December 16 gang rape of a 23-year-old woman who had died 13 days later in Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital.

According to the 1000-page chargesheet, the sequence of events, the treatment, shifting of the patient to a Singapore hospital as well as her death, have all been mentioned.

A senior police official said the chargesheet, which is being vetted by legal experts, has cited 30 witnesses in connection with the December 16 incident in which the medical physiotherapy student was gang-raped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi.

Investigators have said that they will seek the death penalty for the six accused in the case.

The incident has evoked widespread outrage and anger and triggered violent protests.

The charge sheet, to be filed in the Saket court, will detail the role of five men while mentioning that a separate report would be sent to Juvenile Justice Board for the trial of the minor boy allegedly involved in the case, the official said.

Police have slapped rape, murder and other charges against the accused.

Protest against the rape victims death at Varanasi

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Protest against the rape victims death at Varanasi

Photo By Somit Bardhan

Russian plane crashes into road outside Moscow

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Russian plane crashes into road outside Moscow
Clean Media Correspondent

Moscow, Dec 29 (CMC) A Russian passenger plane has crashed into a main road after overshooting a runway at a Moscow airport, killing at least four people, police say.

Reports said there were between eight and 12 people on board the Tupolev-204, which had the flight number RWZ9268 and was landing at Vnukovo airport.

Images of the scene show the aircraft split into several pieces, with the cockpit on the road and the fuselage across the crash barrier.

Several people were reportedly injured.

The images show a plane bearing the Red Wings airlines livery, with the tail and cockpit broken off but the fuselage largely intact.

There were fire engines at the scene and smoke could be seen rising from parts of the wreckage.

The plane had arrived in Moscow from the Czech Republic, government officials said.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has ordered an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Pak President Asif Ali Zardari stops release of Bhutto assassination report

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Pak President Asif Ali Zardari stops release of Bhutto assassination report
Clean Media Correspondent

ISLAMABAD, Dec 29 (CMC) President Asif Ali Zardari stopped Interior minister Rehman Malik from making public a report on the investigation into the assassination of former premier Benazir Bhutto, according to a media report today.

"Zardari barred Malik from presenting the report at a meeting of the Central Executive Committee of the ruling Pakistan Peoples Party that was held on Benazir's fifth death anniversary on Thursday.

"The move came in the wake of an increase in differences between Zardari and Malik," the Urdu newspaper Daily Express quoted its sources as saying.

The president issued instructions to Malik not to make the report public just hours before the PPP held a rally outside the Bhutto family mausoleum at Garhi Khuda Bux in Sindh on Thursday.

Malik had earlier told the media about his intention to make the report public.

Bhutto was assassinated by a suicide bomber after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi on December 27, 2007.

The report said Malik wanted to present the report at the meeting of the PPP's central executive committee.

He even suggested that PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari should launch his political career by revealing the report, sources told the daily.

Bilawal, who is expected to lead the PPP's campaign for next year's general election, formally launched his political career by addressing the massive rally at Garhi Khuda Bux.

Over the past few days, Malik has met members of the team from the Federal Investigation Agency that is investigating Bhutto's assassination and other senior officials.

He had also personally overseen the publication of the investigation report running into several hundred pages.

Malik had planned to distribute copies of the report among PPP leaders and journalists, the report said.

Zardari rejected Malik's suggestions and directed the Interior Minister not to present the report before the rally in Garhi Khuda Bux.

On receiving these instructions, Malik directed officials to stop the publication of the report, which was in the final stages.

There has been considerable speculation in political circles in Islamabad about the reported differences between Zardari and Malik, sources told CMC.

Delhi gangrape: Congress top brass meets amid demands for action

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Delhi gangrape: Congress top brass meets amid demands for action 
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 29 (CMC) Congress top brass, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and party chief Sonia Gandhi, met on Saturday evening amid strong demands for swift action against the perpetrators of the horrific gangrape and assault on the 23-year-old paramedic student.
Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde, who cut short his visit to his native Solapur in Maharashtra, was also present at the deliberations of the Congress core group held at the Prime Minister's residence at 7, Race Course Road. Minister of State for Home RPN Singh was also present at the meeting.
The meeting took place in the backdrop of peaceful marches and protests in the capital to mourn the death of the Delhi braveheart even as parts of central Delhi were kept out of bounds for people.

Earlier on Saturday, Sonia Gandhi in her televised tributes said the fight of nation's "beloved daughter" would not go in vain, promising "swift and fitting punishment" to perpetrators as well as stringent laws for women protection.
"As a woman and mother, I understand how you feel. I appeal you to remain calm and help strengthen our collective resolve to fight the menace of violence against women," Sonia, who is also the UPA chairperson, said.
Breaking his silence on the tragedy, Sonia Gandhi's son and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi called for introspection over the incident and a resolve to ensure the security and dignity of women.
"My heart goes out to the family of the young girl and millions of young Indians, families who work, hope and pray for a better India. We as a nation must reflect on the events of the days gone by," Rahul said, offering his deep condolences to the young girl's family.

Will fight with your voice, Shah Rukh Khan on gangrape victim's death

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Will fight with your voice, Shah Rukh Khan on gangrape victim's death
Clean Media Correspondent

Mumbai, Dec 29 (CMC) “I am so sorry that I am a part of this society and culture. I am so sorry that I am a man. I promise I will fight with your voice,” said superstar Shah Rukh Khan as he joined other Bollywood personalities to mourn the death of 23-year-old gangrape victim on Saturday.

The victim was taken to Mount Elizabeth Hospital in Singapore for further treatment after her condition deteriorated. She was being treated at Delhi's Safdarjung Hospital after being brutally assaulted on the night of December 16 in South Delhi.

“We couldn't save u but wot a big voice u have, u brave little girl. That voice is telling us that rape is not an aberration, not a mistake. Rape embodies sexuality as our culture & society has defined it.

“I am so sorry that I am a part of this society and culture. I am so sorry that I am a man. I promise I will fight with ur voice. I will respect women, so that I gain my daughter's respect (sic),” said SRK, 47, who is father of son Aryan and 12-year-old daughter Suhana.

The heinous incident has triggered nationwide outrage with people taking to streets to demand death penalty for the criminals and better safety laws for women.

Black Saturday turns Jantar Mantar into memorial

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Black Saturday turns Jantar Mantar into memorial
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 29 (CMC) Thousands gathered near the 18th century Jantar Mantar observatory in the heart of the Indian capital in a mass outpouring of grief for the young gang-raped woman who died on Saturday.

As news of her death after 13 days of struggle emerged, the young and the old, men and women, began to silently gather at the site, the number reaching a thousand by afternoon and rapidly swelling thereafter.

By night, there was a sea of humanity holding candles -- and placing them neatly in winding rows in memory of the 23-year-old who passed away early Saturday in a Singapore hospital.

Some people held larger flaming torches.

The crowds were largely peaceful. But tempers ran high briefly when Delhi's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit made a sudden appearance, triggering loud boos. After lighting a candle, Dikshit made a hurried exit.

Underneath the calm, there was palpable anger.

"They (the six rapists) should be hanged within 13 days of the funeral rites (of the victim)," Deep Kaur, 21, said. "Only then will her soul rest in peace."

Delhi's cold weather did not deter the protesters from showing their solidarity with the woman who since her rape Dec 16 had become a symbol of everything that is rotten in the Indian system.

Even the closure of 10 Delhi Metro stations and the blockade of several roads in and around India Gate could not stop the crowds from pouring into Jantar Mantar.

"The law must be amended. It is time to awaken the government," said Ashok Rajput, a 28-year-old employee of a diplomatic mission. "Rapists should be hanged."

Political pundit Yogendra Yadav was there too. "It is only by ensuring that such a barbaric incident does not happen again is how we can pay our homage to her," he said.

Many held placards -- and hand-written posters. Some sang memorial songs in unison. Others shouted slogans. A few gave fiery speeches. The one common message was: Enough is enough!

Some sprawled on the road with black ribbons tied to their mouths.

Student Nogita Chakrobarty explained why: "We are lying down as we want to show that we too have died along with the young woman. It's a Black Saturday for all of us."

A young man and his friend dressed as "Lady of Justice" also demanded that the six males in the bus who gang-raped the victim, a physiotherapist intern, should be hanged within the 13-day Hindu mourning period.

Jantar Mantar, in the very heart of Delhi, was one of only two places Delhi Police said protests could take place. The rest of central Delhi was barricaded by several hundred police and paramilitary personnel.

A few politicians did reach Jantar Mantar but remained largely in the background. They included Brinda Karat, a Marxist and a women's activist. Aam Admi Party's Arvind Kejriwal sat in the crowd, silently.

In the evening, former army chief V.K. Singh made an appearance.

A few men spoke to media and said they had taken a vow: there should be no violence against women.

Sensex snaps 2-week losing streak, surges 203 points during week

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Sensex snaps 2-week losing streak, surges 203 points during week
Clean Media Correspondent

MUMBAI, Dec 29 (CMC) The last week of the year 2012 paved the way for 2013 to gain further momentum on the back of year-end reforms amid indications of more tough stance to be taken by the government to deal with the rising fiscal as well as trade deficit. 

Sensex rose by almost 203 points to end the week at 19,444.84, snapping its last 2-week losing streak. 

All-round buying led by refineries, realty, power and capital goods, following persistent capital inflows from foreign funds amid sops for exporters announced by the government during the week also boosted the market sentiment. 

RILBSE 2.73 %, ONGCBSE 2.49 %, IOCBSE 3.03 % and BPCLBSE 2.23 % attracted heavy buying following reports that the government might gradually increase the diesel price to cut subsidies. 

The possibility of tough reforms after speech of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at the National Development Council (NDC) meeting, indicating a phased reduction in energy subsidies, and an early implementation of the Goods and Services Tax ( GST) helped the recovery. 

The government announced extension of 2 per cent interest subsidy to exporters till March 2014 and a pilot scheme of 2 per cent interest subsidy for project exports through Exim Bank. 

The BSE benchmark Sensex resumed higher at 19,278.00 and hovered in a range of 19,504.40 and 19,237.26 before settling the week at 19,444.84, disclosing a net gain of 202.84 points or 1.05 per cent. 

The NSE 50-share Nifty also shot up by 60.65 points or 1.04 per cent to 5,908.35.

'Witness' cops avoid probe

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'Witness' cops avoid probe
Clean Media Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Dec 29 (CMC) Two cops who could buttress police's account of how constable Subhash Tomar was fatally injured during last Sunday's protest at India Gate have surprisingly stayed away from the investigation. In the two days since the crime branch took over the case, it has been unable to trace both cops who are seen near a limp Tomar in TV footage as well as photographs.

The reluctance of these personnel to shed light on the events leading to a colleague's death has raised questions. Investigators on Friday spoke to several policemen in Karawal Nagar and elsewhere in the northeast district to identify the men. "We wanted to convey to them that it is the duty of the two men to visit the crime branch office in Chanakyapuri and record their statement,'' said an officer.

The crime branch has made progress in the case by zeroing in on the spot where Tomar was supposedly hit by a stone. "We now have an idea of the spot. We are scanning CCTV footage made available to us by ECL through the C4i network (set up for the Commonwealth Games) to confirm our fin8d8ings,'' said a source, adding, the spot would not be disclosed to prevent fake witnesses from confounding the case.

The crime branch has also recorded the statement of a physics student, Paulene, who had tried to help Tomar when he collapsed on Tilak Marg. "We sent a team along with a woman inspector to her residence in Mukherjee Nagar and recorded her statement. We have found her account useful. However, we also need to find out what transpired before she arrived at the spot,'' said an officer.

Police said the medical superintendent of RML, Dr TS Sidhu, had responded to their notice and sent all the medical documents related to Tomar's treatment at the hospital. "But The final postmortem report records six external injuries besides a broken rib and contusion in the lungs. All of this cannot have resulted from trying to give Tomar CDR. We are forming a medical board and if we find negligence on the part of RML, we will take legal action,'' said the source.

Dr Sidhu had earlier stated that Tomar "had no external injury marks, except some cuts and bruises" and that "there are no severe internal injuries recorded but the postmortem will tell everything." DCP-crime SBS Tyagi said, "The postmortem report shows that the constable suffered six external injuries and had multiple contusions in his lungs. His three ribs on the left side were broken".

Delhi rape victim's body being brought back, killers to be tried for murder

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Delhi rape victim's body being brought back, killers to be tried for murder
Clean Media Correspondent

New Delhi, Dec 29 (CMC) A woman whose gang rape sparked protests and a national debate about violence against women in India died of her injuries on Saturday, prompting a security lockdown in New Delhi and an acknowledgement from the prime minister that social change is needed. The six suspects held in
connection with the Dec 16 attack on the 23-year-old medical student on a New Delhi bus were charged with murder following her death, police said. The maximum penalty for murder is death.

Earlier, bracing for a new wave of protests, authorities deployed thousands of policemen, closed 10 metro stations and banned vehicles from some main roads in the heart of New Delhi, where demonstrators have converged since the attack to demand improved women's rights.

Despite efforts to cordon off the city centre, more than 1,000 people gathered for peaceful protests at two locations. Some protesters shouted for justice, others for the death penalty for the rapists.

People started gathering at Jantar Mantar in the Capital at around 10am and sat in silence.

Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Kumar Vishwas also joined the protest along with some of their supporters with their mouth tied with black cloth.

Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, "Her death is a matter of shame and sorrow for all of us. Let's resolve that we will not let her death go in vain.

"Aren't we all responsible for her death? Can we all now do something so that half of humanity starts feeling safe amongst us?" he said.

The mourners protested against the security lock down of India Gate and Raisina Hill where violent demonstrations were witnessed last weekend over the rape.

"The government is not even allowing mourning of the death. This is insensitivity. There is complete lock down. You have the metro stations shut. You have a road completely blocked. This is undemocratic," a protester Sunil said.

Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Lucknow. In Hyderabad, a group of women marched to demand severe punishment for the rapists. Protests were also held in the cities of Chennai, Kolkata and Mumbai.

The demonstrations were peaceful, unlike last weekend, when police used batons, water cannon and teargas in clashes with protesters.

'Her death will not be in vain'
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh led the tributes to the victim but urged protesters to channel their anger constructively.

Singh said he was aware of the emotions the attack has stirred and that it was up to all Indians to ensure that the young woman's death will not have been in vain.

Sonia Gandhi, the powerful leader of the ruling Congress party, directly addressed the protesters in a rare broadcast on state television, saying that as a mother and a woman she understood their grievances.

"Your voice has been heard," Gandhi said.

"It deepens our determination to battle the pervasive and the shameful social attitudes that allow men to rape and molest women with such impunity."

The government has chartered an aircraft to fly the student's body back to India on Saturday, along with members of her family, TCA Raghavan, the Indian high commissioner to Singapore, told reporters.

The body was taken to a Hindu casket firm in Singapore for embalming. Indian diplomats selected a gold and yellow coffin to transport her home, staff at the firm told reporters.

The victim and a male friend were returning home from the cinema by bus when, media reports say, six men on the bus beat them with metal rods and repeatedly raped the woman.

Media said a rod was used in the rape, causing internal injuries. Both were thrown from the bus. The male friend survived.

Six suspects, from a slum in south Delhi, are in custody.

Analysts say the death of the woman could change that, although it is too early to say whether the protesters calling for government action to better safeguard women can sustain their momentum through to national elections due in 2014.

Braveheart's fight
According to doctors in Singapore, the student lost her fight for life at 4:45am (20.45 GMT), nearly two weeks after the brutal attack that horrified India.

"She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain," Kelvin Loh, the chief executive of Singapore's Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said in a statement.

"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."

Her body is to be flown back to India later in the day, accompanied by her parents who were at her bedside when she was pronounced dead at 4:45am (2045 GMT).

After boarding a bus with tinted windows on December 16, the student was attacked by six drunk men who took it in turns to rape her and assaulted her with an iron bar before throwing her and her male companion off the moving vehicle.

She was airlifted to hospital in Singapore on Thursday.

Singh said he was deeply saddened by the death and that protests sparked by the case were "understandable".

"We have already seen the emotions and energies this incident has generated," he wrote on his website.

"These are perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change."

The police have been heavily criticised for their hardline tactics in trying to quash the protests, including the frequent use of teargas and water cannon.

Neeraj Kumar, Delhi's police commissioner, urged people to maintain calm across the city as his office announced that the area around the India Gate monument -- the epicentre of the protests -- would be sealed off.

Ten downtown metro stations were also closed to the public while large numbers of roadblocks were set up on roads leading to government buildings.

Many of the security reinforcements who had been drafted in were women, following a pledge by the government to have a rethink about policing.

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit also appealed for calm and pledged "solid steps will be taken very soon" to protect women in the capital.

The government has had to fend off claims that the victim was transferred to prevent her from dying on Indian soil and thus further inflaming tensions here.

However, Raghavan said the decision was taken on medical grounds after "consultations between the medical team treating her in Delhi with the surgeons and physicians in Singapore".

The envoy also spoke in a press conference of the ordeal endured by the family of the victim, who hail from a rural part of Uttar Pradesh.

"They have borne this loss with a great deal of courage and fortitude and understanding," Raghavan said.

"They have repeatedly asked me to say how inspired they are by the many messages of support and condolences they have received. And also this reinforces their view that the death of their child will lead to a better future for all women in India and in Delhi."

Her ordeal began after she boarded a school bus that a group of six young men were taking for a joyride after drinking heavily, according to police and prosecutors.

News of her death in Singapore spread rapidly back home via social media.

"She experienced hell on earth and we should demand justice for her," said Rawatmal Dhulia, a trader on an overnight train from Rajasthan to Delhi who broke the news to his fellow passengers.

Six men who had already been arrested over the assault are now expected to be charged with murder, a crime which can carry the death penalty.

Her body was carried out of the hospital in a black bag by three workers, who placed it into a police van, after which it was driven to a morgue.

The decision to fly her out of India by air ambulance was taken at a meeting of Singh's cabinet on Wednesday and the government had promised to pay all her medical bills.

As news of the victim's death reached New Delhi early Saturday, hundreds of policemen sealed off the high-security India Gate area in anticipation of more protests.

The area is home to the president's palace, the prime minister's office and key defense, external affairs and home ministries.

The area had seen battles between protesters and police for days after the attack.

Ten metro stations in the vicinity also were closed Saturday, said Rajan Bhagat, the New Delhi police spokesman.

The protesters are demanding stronger protection for women and the death penalty for rape, which is now punishable by a maximum of life imprisonment.

Women face daily harassment across India, ranging from catcalls on the streets, groping and touching in public transport to rape.

Singh said he understands the angry reaction to the attack and hopes all Indians will work together to make appropriate changes.

"These are perfectly understandable reactions from a young India and an India that genuinely desires change," the prime minister said in a statement Saturday.

"It would be a true homage to her memory if we are able to channel these emotions and energies into a constructive course of action."

He said the government was examining the penalties for crimes such as rape "to enhance the safety and security of women."

"I hope that the entire political class and civil society will set aside narrow sectional interests and agendas to help us all reach the end that we all desire — making India a demonstrably better and safer place for women to live in," Singh said.

Mamta Sharma, head of the state-run National Commission for Women, said the "time has come for strict laws" to stop violence against women.

"The society has to change its mindset to end crimes against women," she said.

Several celebrities reacted with sadness Saturday over the woman's death.

Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan tweeted, "Her body has passed away, but her soul shall forever stir our hearts."

Home minister Sushilkumar Shinde said the government's only concern was to ensure the victim received "the best treatment possible".

Singh has ordered an official inquiry into the gangrape and new laws to protect women as well as stiffer penalties for the worst sex crimes.

And he said Delhi police would soon launch a drive to recruit more female officers as a confidence-building measure.

The government has also announced plans to post the photos, names and addresses of convicted rapists on official websites to publicly shame them.

The campaign will begin in Delhi, which has been dubbed India's "rape capital".

The Delhi gangrape has shone the spotlight on a crime that occurs on a daily basis in India, with most such assaults taking place in rural areas.

Policemen gather at the epicenter of previous protests the near India Gate in New Delhi. Reuters

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government has been battling criticism that it was tone-deaf to the outcry and heavy handed in its response to the protests in the Indian capital.

"It is deeply saddening and just beyond words. The police and government definitely have to do something more," said Sharanya Ramachandran, an Indian national working as an engineer in Singapore.

"They should bring in very severe punishment for such cases. They should start recognising that it is a big crime."

"Significant brain injuries"
The Singapore hospital said earlier that the woman had suffered "significant brain injury" and was surviving against the odds. She had already undergone three abdominal operations before being flown to Singapore.

Protests over the lack of safety for women erupted across India after the attack, culminating last weekend in pitched battles between police and protesters in the heart of New Delhi.

New Delhi has been on edge since the weekend clashes.

Hundreds of policemen have been deployed on the streets of the capital and streets leading to the main protest site, the India Gate war memorial, have been shut for long periods, severely disrupting traffic in the city of 16 million.

Commentators and sociologists say the rape has tapped into a deep well of frustration that many Indians feel over what they see as weak governance and poor leadership on social and economic issues.

Many protesters have complained that Singh's government has done little to curb the abuse of women in the country of 1.2 billion.

A global poll by the Thomson Reuters Foundation in June found that India was the worst place to be a woman because of high rates of infanticide, child marriage and slavery.

New Delhi has the highest number of sex crimes among India's major cities, with a rape reported on average every 18 hours, according to police figures.

Government data show the number of reported rape cases in the country rose by nearly 17% between 2007 and 2011.