video transcript

PLEASE NOTE: THE RAPE VICTIM'S FRIEND IS NOT NAMED AND HIS FACE IS DELIBERATELY BLURRED FOR LEGAL REASONS. PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL The gang rape and subsequent death of an Indian student aboard a bus in New Delhi has sparked outraged protests across the nation. But the male companion who was with the 23-year-old and beaten unconscious during the attack says India's shame goes much deeper. He says nobody came to help them for nearly half an hour when they were thrown badly injured from the moving bus after the rape. SOUNDBITE: FRIEND OF NEW DELHI GANG RAPE VICTIM SAYING (Hindi): "It would have been a very different scenario today if even one person had come to our aid that day. So change is needed at individual level and the system. The people in power who run the system, if they have any conscience left in them, must realise the need to make changes." Five men and a teenager have been charged with rape and murder. The victim's friend says her death must not be in vain. SOUNDBITE: FRIEND OF NEW DELHI GANG RAPE VICTIM SAYING (Hindi): "If people want to do anything then do not let the momentum die down. Please continue the agitation. The effort of the masses is bringing about some changes in the system and there is hope of a better future so please keep the momentum strong. We might achieve something good." The victim's father is backing calls for tougher laws to protect women and says the legislation should be named in memory of her.