New Delhi, Dec 29 : Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has said that he is deeply saddened by the death of the gang-rape victim.

"I join the nation in conveying to her family and friends my deepest condolences at this terrible loss," Manmohan Singh said in a statement.

"I want to tell them and the nation that while she may have lost her battle for life, it is up to us all to ensure that her death will not have been in vain," he added.

He also said that the protests erupted from a young India in the wake of her assault were "understandable".

The Prime Minister added that the government is examining, on priority basis, the penal provisions that exist for such crimes and measures to enhance the safety and security of women.

The attack on the paramedic student on December 16th has unleashed a wave of protests across India.

She was raped for nearly an hour by several men aboard a bus, beaten and thrown from the moving vehicle.

There were more than 24, 200 reported rape cases in India in 2011, a rise of over nine per cent on the previous year.

Among the major cities New Delhi has the highest level of sex crime. (ANI)