Protests against Pune gang-rape

By IANS,

Pune: Thousands here gathered Saturday to protest the 2009 gang-rape and murder of a private company executive Naina Pujari.

"In the backdrop of the agitations protesting the gang-rape and murder of 'Nirbhaya' in the (national) capital, it is befitting that we also remember that Naina went through the same ordeal," a protestor said.

Her identity has not been revealed and she is being referred to by pseudonyms like 'Nirbhaya' and 'Abhaya'.

Pujari was raped by four people in Oct 2009 and later murdered by them. The main accused Yogesh Raut, 24, was a cab-driver with the company, and has been absconding since over a year now.

Three other accused are still facing trial.

While some protestors held banners and shouted slogans, others demanded the accused be arrested immediately and the case see a speedy trial.

"It has been over three years since the horrific incident. We are protesting so that my wife's death doesn't go in vain and she gets justice," Naina's husband Abhijit told reporters here.

The recent gang-rape of a 23-year-old physiotherapist in Delhi outraged young Indians who have taken to the streets of the national capital almost every day protesting for justice and security for women.

The protesters here also submitted a memorandum to police for speedy trial and immediate arrest of the accused.