Delhi gang-rape case heard behind closed doors

An Indian court hearing the case of five men accused of gang-raping and murdering a 23-year-old student was cleared on Monday as chaotic scenes forced the hearing to be held behind closed doors.

The suspects were to be presented for the first time since the attack which took place on a bus on December 16, sparking protests in India and abroad as well as soul-searching about endemic violence against women.

But the court was closed after noisy protests from lawyers objecting to the suspects being given defence counsels, and a crush of local and foreign journalists straining to hear proceedings in the tiny room.

“People who have assembled and are present in the court not connected with the case have been asked to wait outside,” magistrate Namrita Aggarwal said in a written order to reporters.

“It has become completely impossible for the courtroom proceedings to proceed.”

The five men, aged 19 to 35 and mostly residents of New Delhi slums, were later produced before the magistrate, police officers said outside the courtroom, but AFP was unable to immediately confirm the information from court officials.