Indian court convicts four for raping photojournalist

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 20 March 2014

Four men have been convicted for the gang rape of a photojournalist in Mumbai. The incident has highlighted the increasing sexual violence against women in India.

Summary

NEW DELHI: A court has convicted four men of gang raping a photojournalist in India's financial capital of Mumbai last year.

Maharashtra state Home Minister R.R. Patil says the four were convicted by a Mumbai court on Thursday. Sentencing is expected Friday, with the men facing up to life in prison. The 22-year-old photojournalist was on assignment with a male colleague at an abandoned textile mill in Mumbai's Lower Parel area on Aug. 22 when they were approached by several men who offered to gain permission for them to shoot photos in the building.

Once inside, the male colleague was beaten and tied up while the attackers took turns raping the woman.

Sexual assaults against women have been rising in India, sparking huge protests across the country. - AP (Photo: AFP)

KEY POINTS:

• Four men convicted of gang raping a photojournalist in Mumbai.
• Incident occurred on August 22 while on assignment.
• The male colleague was assaulted and restrained during the attack.
• Sentencing is set for Friday, with possible life sentences.
• Rising sexual assaults in India prompt nationwide protests.