An Indian magistrate has barred the media from the pre-trial hearings or the trial of the five men accused of raping and killing a young student in New Delhi last month.

Hundreds of journalists, lawyers and onlookers had jammed the courtroom where the five appeared.

The hearing is expected to result in the case being sent to a special ``fast-track'' court.

Authorities have charged the men with murder, rape and other crimes that could bring them the death penalty.

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

The crime caused countrywide outrage, leading to massive protests.

(The Associated Press)