Delhi gang-rape protest grips India

Indian demonstrators are hit by water cannon during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front the India Gate monument in New Delhi on Sunday.Photo: AFP

The heart of the Indian capital turned into a battle zone yesterday as thousands massed to denounce the brutal gang rape of a young woman triggering appeals from both the government and opposition.
Outnumbered police and paramilitary personnel fired umpteen tear gas shells and repeatedly used batons to break up emotionally charged crowds screaming "We want justice!" and hurling stones and water bottles.
Six drunk men were joyriding in a bus when they picked up the physiotherapy student and her 28-year-old male companion. They took turns raping her before throwing the pair off the speeding vehicle.
During her ordeal the victim was attacked with an iron rod, causing serious intestinal injuries.
All six of the alleged attackers have now been arrested and remanded in custody.
Fearing more violent protests, police declared areas close to the president's residence and the parliament off-limits and detained those who defied the prohibitory orders.
All the routes leading to landmark government buildings were cordoned off and metro stations in the vicinity were closed to the public.
However, several hundred protesters managed to breach the cordon around India Gate and braved tear gas and water cannons.
PTI quoting witnesses said several people, including security personnel, were injured.
As protests over the gang-rape incident escalated, the ruling Congress yesterday appealed for calm with Rahul Gandhi emphasising that decisions cannot be driven by emotions and that they should be taken in a “rational” manner.
Party president Sonia Gandhi and Rahul had an over 90 minute-long meeting with a group of protesters at her 10 Janpath residence during which Minister of State for Home Affairs R P N Singh and Congress spokesperson Renuka Chaudhury were also present.
The leaders assured speedy action while refusing to give a time-frame for it.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj also called for an all-party meeting and made an appeal to youths not to resort to violence, saying this is not the solution.