File photo/sketches of the five accused, all of whom have been arrested
Hours after the police arrested the two missing suspects in the gang-rape of a young photographer in Mumbai, her family issued a statement thanking the media, the police, the staff at the hospital where she is recovering, and the public.
"We hope and pray for your continued support and campaign in the fight for justice for my daughter and women at large in India," the statement said. "Now that stringent laws are in place, we are optimistic that your and the government's efforts will help fast track the matter so that the severest of punishment is meted out. This will ensure that even the most sick-minded think twice before they act in such an inhuman and insensitive way." (
Read full statement)
All five men wanted for the gang-rape have now been found. The main accused, Salim Ansari, 27, had managed to escape to Delhi but was located there and arrested today. He is being brought to Mumbai.
Investigators say he was the one who instigated his four friends to rape the 22-year-old, while her male colleague was tied with a belt and thrown to the ground nearby at a deserted textile mill on Thursday at 6 pm. (
Brave survivor says she wants to work again)
Earlier today, the police arrested Kasim Bangali, 21, from a Mumbai suburb. The police says Bangali, in his late 20s, was "the most depraved" of the gang and raped the woman twice.
The photojournalist has told the police in a statement that a broken beer bottle was held over her head as the men took turns to rape her.
Later, the police said in court today, the gang ordered the photographer to clean up the scene of the crime and took two photos of her in a cellphone, threatening to release them if she reported them to anyone. (
Read)
The attack in a city long considered among the safest for women in India has provoked anger and comparisons with the fatal gang-rape of a young student on moving bus in Delhi in December. (
Watch: The Mumbai incident reminded me of my child, says Delhi braveheart's mother)