The 23-year-old woman who was gang-raped four days ago has been communicating by writing notes to her parents. “The culprits should be punished,” she wrote in one note; in another, she enquired after her male friend who had tried to defend her and was beaten, a doctor at Safdarjung Hospital here said.

Doctors have been admiring the young woman’s fortitude and grit, despite the intense pain, “Being a medical student, she understands the treatment process and has been cooperating with the hospital staff. Her lower vagina has been badly damaged, but her upper vagina is not so affected. If she comes out of this crucial phase, she could lead a normal life,” the doctor said, on condition of anonymity.