Suspects in India rape case arrive at courthouse

Indian women carry their children as they march during a protest to mourn the death of a gang rape victim in New Delhi, India, Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2013. India’s top court says it will decide whether to suspend lawmakers facing sexual assault charges as thousands of women gathered at the memorial to independence leader Mohandas K. Gandhi to demand stronger protection for their safety. (AP Photo/ Dar Yasin)

NEW DELHI — Five men accused of raping and killing a young student in the Indian capital have arrived at court for pre-trial proceedings.

Police have charged the men with murder, rape and other crimes that could bring them the death penalty. The crime caused nationwide outrage, leading to massive protests.

After Monday’s hearing, Magistrate Namrita Aggarwal is expected to transfer their case to a fast-track court set up last week for their trial.

A sixth suspect who is 17 years old was expected to be tried in a juvenile court, where the maximum sentence would be three years in a reform facility.

Prosecutor Rajiv Mohan said last week that a DNA test confirmed that the blood of the victim matched blood stains found on the clothes of all the accused.