Indian gang rape victim dies in Singapore

An Indian gang rape victim died Saturday in Singapore after suffering severe organ failure, the hospital treating her said, in a case that sparked widespread street protests over violence against women.

Authorities in India have been preparing for the possibility her death could ignite more protests after riot police were deployed on the capital’s streets in the wake of the attack amid simmering anger at the daily dangers women face.

The 23-year-old was airlifted to Singapore on Thursday after she was attacked by six men on a bus in New Delhi on December 16, and hit with an iron bar.

Some Indian medics had criticized the decision to move her.

“We are very sad to report that the patient passed away peacefully at 4.45 am (2045 GMT) on 29 Dec 2012,” Kelvin Loh, the chief executive of Singapore’s Mount Elizabeth Hospital, said in a statement.

“Her family and officials from the High Commission of India were by her side. The Mount Elizabeth Hospital team of doctors, nurses and staff join her family in mourning her loss.”

She had remained in an extremely critical condition since being admitted to the hospital, Loh said, with doctors mounting a last-ditch battle overnight to save her life.

“Despite all efforts by a team of eight specialists in Mount Elizabeth Hospital to keep her stable, her condition continued to deteriorate over these two days,” Loh said.

“She had suffered from severe organ failure following serious injuries to her body and brain. 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.

“We are humbled by the privilege of being tasked to care for her in her final struggle.”

The victim was treated in Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after the attack. [More]

SOURCE:

Interaksyon