Young suspect faces Indian rape hearing

A young man suspected of being involved in the gang rape and murder of a woman on a New Delhi bus will appear at a hearing intended to determine whether he is a juvenile.

If he is 17, as he claims, he will be tried in a juvenile court and face up to three years in a reform centre if found guilty, but a conviction as an adult could bring the death penalty.

The hearing is expected today, defence lawyers said.

Five men have also been charged in the case, though one of them also claims to be a minor.

The woman died of internal injuries after the attack, which sparked outrage over widespread violence against India’s women.