New Delhi, Dec 29 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee Saturday condoled the death in Singapore of the young woman who was gang-raped here and called her a "true hero".

"I am deeply distressed by the unfortunate demise of the 23-year-old girl who passed
away early this morning in Singapore," President Mukherjee said.

The president said: "She was a brave and courageous girl who fought till the very last minute for her dignity and her life. She is a true hero and symbolises the best in Indian youth and women."

"I convey my condolences to her parents and family who have faced this adversity with
fortitude and grace. I pray that they have the strength to bear this loss. The nation
will mourn the passing of this brave daughter of India," he added.

Stressing that her passing away should not be in vain, the president said the government would "do everything possible to ensure that such an incident never happens again".

The president requested "everyone to maintain peace and calm".

He called upon the "authorities to take all necessary steps to bring the perpetrators of this ghastly crime to justice".