Lucknow/Delhi
Indian police arrested several opposition leaders on Thursday who were heading to the site where a low-caste woman died after being gang-raped, in the latest high-profile assault to whip up nationwide anger and protests.
The 19-year-old victim from the Dalit community, which often faces violence and discrimination, died from injuries on Tuesday after the Sept. 14 attack in a field near her home in Hathras district, authorities said. India is one of the world’s most dangerous places for women, with a rape occurring every 15 minutes, according to federal data – figures that rights groups say vastly underestimate the scale of the problem.
Priyanka and Rahul Gandhi, siblings and leaders of the main opposition Congress Party, were blocked and arrested by police as they tried to drive then walk to see the woman’s family in Hathras about 100 km (62 miles) from Delhi, the party said. Video footage from ANI news agency showed Rahul – the descendant of three former prime ministers – jostling with police before falling to the ground.—Reuters
