Delhi gang-rape case: Drama in courtroom

The proceedings in the case of the gang-rape and murder of a 23-year-old girl in a Delhi court on Saturday were marked by some drama when a man demanded that the details of the victim be made public.

Swami Om Ji, claiming to be the founder of and chairman of an organisation for rape victims, moved an application praying that the details and particulars of the victim be made public and the copies of the charge sheet be supplied to all the print and electronic media.

"I am a citizen of India and the girl who was gang-raped and murdered was a daughter of the nation. Her male friend had appeared on television yesterday. So there is nothing to hide now," he argued in the court of Metropolitan Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal.

The prosecution, however, objected to the man's plea and questioned his locus in the case. Public Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan informed the court that "a case has already been filed against the news channel which had aired the interview of the male friend".

With the man pressing his application, the magistrate asked him to approach the sessions court and the prosecution may file its reply there.