After gang-rape survivor faints in Mumbai court, anger among activists

Mumbai: A young photojournalist who fainted in court on Thursday while testifying against her alleged rapists in a court in Mumbai, completed her deposition today, but activists are questioning why the 22-year-old was not allowed to depose through video conference.

The girl was also cross-examined today in an 'in camera' or closed hearing of the case. Four of the five men arrested for her rape were present in the court-room, as they were yesterday when she was rushed to hospital after she fainted in court.

The gang-rape at the deserted Shakti Mills compound in the heart of Mumbai in August outraged the country.  The photographer was attacked in the evening while on assignment with a male colleague.

A source close to her says she was reluctant to come to court, but was persuaded to do so by the prosecution.

"It is a fit case for video-conferencing," said retired Bombay High Court justice BG Kolse-Patil, questioning the insensitive handling of the hearing.

"A video link is something that should have been looked at as part of what me promise as gender justice to women in this country," said Vrinda Grover, women's rights activist.