Jyoti Singh Pandey: 5 Accused Men Plead Not Guilty to Delhi Gang Rape

Impact

The five men accused of the December 16 gang raping and killing of 23-year old student Jyoti Singh Pandey pleaded not guilty on Saturday — reported Reuters. 

The men were in the court room with their faces covered for about 15 minutes, a witness told Reuters. They were read 13 charges, including murder — which carries a maximum penalty of death. 

"After the judge read out the charges, the five pleaded not guilty and walked out" said A.P. Singh, a lawyer defending two of the accused, Vinay Sharma and Akshay Thakur.

Singh also said the prosecution — says it has strong evidence against the five men including blood stained clothing, DNA matches, mobile phone records, confessions and eye-witness statements — will call three witnesses to the next hearing on Tuesday.