Five men who have been formally charged with the abduction, gang rape and murder of a 23-year-old woman are due to appear in court in the Indian capital for a second day, BBC News reported.

A magistrate is expected to transfer the case for trial to a special fast-track court.

Three of the five men will plead not guilty to all charges against them, their lawyer has said.

The case has shocked India and prompted a debate about the treatment of women.

A sixth suspect, who is thought to be 17, will be tried separately in a youth court if it is confirmed he is a minor.

Manohar Lal Sharma has said he will be representing three of the accused - Mukesh Singh, Akshay Thakur and Ram Singh.

It is not clear how the other two suspects - Pawan Gupta and Vinay Sharma - will plead or who will represent them.

If convicted, the suspects could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have said they have extensive forensic evidence.