Scores of people gathered outside the Juvenile Justice Board on Saturday as the board pronounced the much-awaited verdict against the juvenile accused in the December 16 gangrape.
Mediapersons waited outside the board premises for the verdict as their entry was restricted. There was a massive turnout as apart from Indian media, international TV, print and radio crews from the US, UK Germany, Iran, Japan, France and China waited for the verdict. A German TV channel reportedly flew in their crew from Singapore for the announcement.
The news of the verdict was met with slogans, “We want justice”, “Nabalig ko bhi phaansi do (Send the juvenile to the gallows)” by a group of activists which has been camping at Jantar Mantar since the incident demanding stringent punishment for the juvenile.
According to sources present inside, the younger brother of the gangrape victim allegedly tried to attack the juvenile.
“When the judgment was delivered, the victim’s younger brother tried to attack the minor,” the sources said.
The victim’s brother, who was waiting for the decision since morning, suddenly moved towards the juvenile and tried to slap him after the order was pronounced.
He broke down on coming out and expressed disagreement with the quantum of the sentence awarded to the juvenile accused.
“The accused has been sentenced to three years, which is very less for the crime he committed. He should be hanged here only,” he said in tears