Nirbhaya case: Ramdas Athawale declares hunger strike over delayed execution of rapists

After advocate appearing for two of four death row convicts in Nirbhaya case moved court alleging that Tihar jail authorities are yet to release documents to file curative and mercy petitions for convicts, Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has declared that he will go on a hunger strike to protest against delay in closure of case. He has said that he will t eat until rapists are hanged.

He also spoke about social activist Anna Hazare who is observing 'maun vrat' for more than a month w in protest against delay in hanging of rapists. "I met Anna Hazare at his native place in Ralegan-Siddhi vill. He has observed silence for one month four days. rape convicts are yet to be executed. Even I am observing fast until rapists are hanged. Its been more than seven years since incident, yet rapists have t been hanged. Such cases should be dealt by fast-track court, re should be a judgement in six months, perpetrators should be hanged," said Athavale while anuncing his indefinite hunger strike.

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Delay tactic

In yet ar delay tactic, Nirbhaya rape convicts' lawyer AP Singh, on Friday has moved Patiala House Court stating that Tihar jail authorities are yet to release documents to file curative and mercy petitions for convicts - Vinay, Pavan and Akshay. Moreover, he has blamed jail authorities for delaying in filing se petitions and hence he was unable to move se petitions in Supreme Court. plea is likely to be heard on Saturday - January 24.

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President rejects mercy plea

Previously on December 17, President Ram Nath Kovind had rejected convict Mukesh Singh's mercy plea. His curative petition has already been dismissed by Supreme Court. As Delhi government told High Court that four rapists will t be hanged on January 22, Patiala House court subsequently gave a new date for ir death warrant - February 1. four convicts- Vinay Sharma (26), Mukesh Kumar (32), Akshay Kumar Singh (31) and Pawan Gupta (25) are housed in Jail . 3 where y will be hanged.

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