Rahul Gandhi condoles rape victim's death

Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi Saturday joined his mother and party president Sonia Gandhi in mourning the death of the 23-year-old gang-rape victim Saturday, saying the nation must reflect on the events of the past few days.

"My heart goes out to the family of the young girl and millions of Indians and their families who work, hope and pray for a better India," Rahul Gandhi said in a statement issued here.

"We as a nation must reflect on the events of the days gone by. As citizens, we must resolve to respect the dignity of women and follow the laws of the land," Rahul Gandhi said.

"I join my mother and sister in offering deep-felt condolences to the young girl's family. My thoughts and prayers are with the family," he said.

The woman, who was accompanied by her male friend, was raped and brutally assaulted by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi Dec 16.

The ghastly incident led to rare and angry protests by youngsters, especially women, in Delhi and across the country, demanding quick justice and stricter laws to protect women.

The gutsy woman succumbed to her injuries in a Singapore hospital early Saturday after battling for life for 13 days.

Her death shocked and stunned the nation.