As the country has once again erupted with anti-rape protests, after a 22 year-old photojournalist was gang raped in Mumbai on Thursday, differing reports of the age of one of the accused have surfaced, bringing back the horrors of December 16, 2012 when a medical student was brutally raped and killed in the national capital.
The grandmother of Chand Babu Sattat Shaikh, alias Mohammed Abdul, one of the two alleged perpetrators of the Mumbai gang rape claims that he is 16 years of age, while media reports suggest that the year in the birth certificate produced indicates vivid signs of tampering.
Moreover, the Mumbai Police have maintained that Shaikh is not a juvenile and have said that police records indicate that he was 17 years old when he was booked, in 2011, for a theft.
Meanwhile, Chand Babu Sattat Shaikh has been sent to police custody till August 30.
Mumbai Police on Saturday confirmed the arrest of two out of the five persons allegedly responsible for gang raping a photojournalist in Mumbai on August 22.
A massive hunt is on to nab the three other accused.
Vijay Jadhav was arrested Saturday morning. He was reportedly hiding in a video parlour near his South Mumbai residence.
The stark parallels between the December 16, 2012 New Delhi gang rape and Thursday's incident in Mumbai have triggered anger and protest throughout the country.
Earlier today, Congress leader Jagdambika Pal said that even after a strong rape law had made its way into the Constitution of India, the only way to deter the perpetrators of these horrific incidents is to hand out efficient and harsh punishment.
"After the Delhi gang rape, what occurred with Damini, the harsh act which was made still hasn't deterred perpetrators of these kinds of crimes. Thus, I think the country now needs action more than it needs Acts. That action is happening," Pal said.
The incident took place on August 22 in Lower Parel area where the 23-year-old woman had gone for an assignment.
She was working with an English Magazine as an intern. According to police, the men tied up the friend who was accompanying her and raped the woman.
The victim, who was admitted to Jaslok Hospital, had sustained multiple internal injuries. She is stated to be in a stable condition now.
The Centre has sought a detailed report on the gang rape incident.
Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde today said that he has spoken to the Commissioner of Police on the gang rape incident in Mumbai urging for stringent action.
