12 years ago
Protesters shout slogans at Jantar Mantar, demanding justice for the Delhi gang-rape victim
Arrogance vs angst: a blog by a protester at Raisina HillNishtha Gautam, 27, is a lecturer at Delhi's Lady Shriram College. She was at Sunday's protests at India Gate which erupted in violence. This is her blog.
Home Minister, Delhi Chief Minister meet Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, demand immediate setting up of fast-track courts for rape cases.
A day after violent protests at India Gate, scores of people, mostly school students, today gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest against the brutal gang-rape of 23-year-old medical student in a moving bus in Delhi last Sunday. The protesters shouted slogans demanding quick justice for the victim.
Employees had a tough time reaching their offices in Krishi Bhavan, Shastri Bhavan, Rail Bhavan and Nirman Bhavan due to blockade of roads and closure of nine metro stations. Buses were diverted through longer routes.
In view of the incidents in the last two-three days, the venue of the meeting between Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and visiting Russian President Vladimar Putin has been shifted to the Race Course residence of the Prime Minister.
Protesters' bid to march to Rashtrapati Bhavan wasn't right: Home Minister to NDTVHome Minister Sushil Kumar Shidne speaks to NDTV about the protests at India Gate against the brutal gang-rape of 23-year-old medical student 'Amanat' (NOT her real name) in a moving bus last Sunday.
PM appeals for calm, says 'as father of 3 daughters, I feel as strongly as you'Reacting to the violent protests in Delhi on Sunday against the brutal gang-rape of 23-year-old medical student, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the government will make all efforts to ensure safety of women.
Delhi Police's traffic advisory:
Raj path including central vista India Gate ( C- Hexagon ), Raj path from C- Hexagon to Vijay Chowk including cross roads Rafi Marg, Jan path and Man Singh road will remain closed for general traffic. Motorists are advised to to avoid these areas. For North-South traveling Sardar Patel Marg, Ridge Road, Mother Teressa Crescent Road, RML round about on west side and Mathura road, Ring Road on east side of Raj Path would be available. Plying of buses on Mathura road between Neela Gumbad Nizamuddin to W-point would remain closed.These buses would ply on Ring Road.
Raj path including central vista India Gate ( C- Hexagon ), Raj path from C- Hexagon to Vijay Chowk including cross roads Rafi Marg, Jan path and Man Singh road will remain closed for general traffic. Motorists are advised to to avoid these areas. For North-South traveling Sardar Patel Marg, Ridge Road, Mother Teressa Crescent Road, RML round about on west side and Mathura road, Ring Road on east side of Raj Path would be available. Plying of buses on Mathura road between Neela Gumbad Nizamuddin to W-point would remain closed.These buses would ply on Ring Road.
Delhi gang-rape: Clampdown at India Gate to check clashesProhibitory orders are in place at India Gate, the hub of the protests against 23-year-old medical student's brutal gang-rape in a moving bus last Sunday. The protests turned violent on Sunday with the protesting crowds clashing with the police at India gate. Dozens were injured.
Police says no morning walkers will be allowed at India Gate.
There were no protesters at India Gate early in the morning. Security, however, has been tightened.
Delhi gang-rape: Public anger 'genuine', says PM; appeals for peaceBreaking his silence on the Delhi gang-rape issue amid continuing protests, the PM said public anger is "genuine" and "justified" but appealed for peace while promising all steps to ensure safety of women in the country.
Delhi gang-rape protests: 9 Metro stations near India Gate to remain closed todayPragati Maidan, Mandi House, Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan, Khan Market, Race Course, Rajiv Chowk and Barakhamba stations will remain closed today.
Police allows traffic movement around India Gate again.
Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has hit out at the Delhi Police saying VIP security is not an excuse to not protect common man. She further elaborated saying the duty of the police does not end by suspending a few policemen and that the senior most police official must be held accountable for the breakdown in the law and order situation.
Delhi gang-rape: Cop, injured in protests at India Gate, in critical condition A constable of the Delhi Police, Subhash Tomar, is in critical condition in a Delhi hospital after he was seriously injured in the violence that marred protests at India Gate in the national capital today against the brutal rape of a 23-year-old medical student.
The protests have turned violent with one Additional Commissioner of Police, an Assistant Commissioner and several constables severely injured. A journalist was also hurt when a tear gas shell fell near her.
Protesters at India Gate are being cleared out by the Police. Delhi Traffic Police has tweeted that roads leading to India gate are closed, so kindly avoid this route.
Police have begun using water cannons again to disperse the violent mob. Police say they want the genuine protesters to peacefully sit so that the hooligans can be dealt with.
Delhi police addresses the media. Say peaceful protests have been overtaken by hooligans in the crowd. Also that lots of constables injured, 2 Deputy Commissioners injured but action has been taken against negligent policemen.
Some unruly elements have reportedly started a fire at India Gate with wooden planks used to seat spectators during Republic Day parade.
Unruly elements, clearly not part of the protests, overturned a car near the protest site.
Crowd of about 100 people near Vice-President's house
Gang-rape accused Pawan and Vinay said they don't want to undergo a test identification parade. "You can hang us," one of them reportedly said. The judge is recording their statement.
'I do not want to take part in TIP as I am involved in the present crime and remorseful of that,' accused Ram Singh said. His statement in front of judge today is the first sign of remorse from him.
Meanwhile, at Safdarjung hospital, Amanat is in the operation theatre undergoing another surgery.
BJP student wing members among protesters
NDTV's Nidhi Razdan and cameraman hit by tear gas.
Unruly mob pelts stones at a private bus.
Baba Ramdev stands atop a bus headed towards Ramlila Maidan to join the protests.
Police fire more tear gas canisters as protesters pelt stones.
The sixth accused in the Delhi gang-rape case has agreed to test identification parade. It will be done on December 26.
'Amanat' tried to walk a few steps last night. She is facing problem in breathing and could be put back on ventilator. Blood pressure and pulse rate are stable. Not planning on any further interjections, doctors treating the gang-rape survivor said.
Water cannons being used against protesters.
Anti-social elements are not afraid of the government machinery: Anna Hazare "The incident of gang-rape in the national capital shows that criminal and anti-social elements are not afraid of the government machinery," Anna Hazare said.
Tear gas fired at India Gate.
Police are reportedly allowing protesters to enter India gate circle. However, vehicles are not being allowed to enter, only protesters on foot can get in.
Rahul Gandhi: "We have to work rationally. People are angry but decision cannot be driven by emotions. One of the protesters in the meeting objected to death penalty."
Sonia Gandhi: "Agree with the protesters that woman is not just a face.Women need better security. There is a sense of insecurity and more needs to be done."
Protesters are reportedly back inside the India Gate circle and they are being led by the Bhagat Singh Kranti Sena.
Minister of State for Home RPN Singh:
- We have assured them that we will put them in fast track Courts and be treated as a rarest of rare cases
- We are considering their views on changing laws to deal with sexual harassment.
- We have asked them to discontinue the protest.
- Did not just talk about the gang-rape victim but also about molestation in general
- We discussed security in buses, metro, public transport. We will look into all suggestions
- Capital punishment is still debatable, different people have different opinions
- I request the people to maintain calm
- Judges will take a decision on punishment; the trial will be conducted on a day-to-day basis
Protesters speak to media after meeting Sonia Gandhi: highlights
- We will meet the judge, there will be a follow up.
- We are individuals, do not know each other
- We appreciate Sonia meeting us
- We are going to Janpath to convey the message
- Amendments will be made, has been assured to us.
- They have told us it will take time
- Judge will decide on the death sentence
- The protest will not stop
Some people belonging to the "Bhagat Singh Kranti Hari Sena", along with their leader Tajinder Bagga, reportedly blocked the car carrying Sandeep Dikshit, MP from East Delhi, and reportedly tried to rough him up. Police have escorted him to barricade line on Rajpath.
The condition of the 23-year-old medical student Amanat (NOT real name) is reportedly the same as yesterday. Team of six to seven doctors are taking care of her, one of the doctors said.
Baba Ramdev, who will be joining the protests today, said: "The Govt is standing with people who are wrong. We only ask for one thing: hang the rapists. It is not only about one women but about 60 crore women of the country."
Some protesters are reportedly blocking traffic at the India Gate radial, which has created a jam. A few protesters have reportedly smashed the windows of a bus. Civilians are reportedly arguing with protesters who are blocking traffic.
Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on yesterday's clashes:
"My appeal is protest peacefully. And my appeal to the police men is when you are watching people protesting, then they should be handled properly. They are not agitating, they are protesting to improve the situation.
This is being watched by the whole nation and the whole world. It is a wake-up call for us. We are a democracy, it's not a dictatorship. I haven't seen the photos of protest. But lathi charge, water cannot and tear gas should be the last resort.
I have heard that the barricaded were being broken. The women, protestors should understand that they should maintain their anger. "
"My appeal is protest peacefully. And my appeal to the police men is when you are watching people protesting, then they should be handled properly. They are not agitating, they are protesting to improve the situation.
This is being watched by the whole nation and the whole world. It is a wake-up call for us. We are a democracy, it's not a dictatorship. I haven't seen the photos of protest. But lathi charge, water cannot and tear gas should be the last resort.
I have heard that the barricaded were being broken. The women, protestors should understand that they should maintain their anger. "
Arvind Kejriwal was reportedly prevented from entering the India gate roundabout. He has reportedly sat down with his supporters on the route leading to Ashoka road.
Replying to a tweet questioning his absense, Arvind Kejriwal tweeted this:
@rajanjuneja Am on my way to India Gate with Kumar Vishwas, Manish and Gopal bhai
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal7) December 23, 2012
Activist turned politician Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party and yoga guru Baba Ramdev have announced that they will join the protests today.
Sec 144 MUST be defied. To save democracy. I, alongwith my friends, will defy sec 144 today
- Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal7) December 23, 2012
Rahul Gandhi has reportedly arrived at 10 Janpath and is meeting the protesters along with his mother.
Delhi gang-rape protests: latest developments A day after extraordinary protests in the national capital that saw protesters clashing with the police right outside Rashtrapati Bhavan, Section 144 has been imposed around India Gate and about 60 protesters camped overnight are being forcibly loaded into buses and being driven away.
Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur tweets on government's reaction to protests.
Wld it not have been easier for President n Prime Minister 2 come out n speak 2 students rather than shut down all Delhi Metro's ?
- Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) December 23, 2012
Defying the prohibitory orders, several protesters from the overnight crowd, along with a few from Arvind Kejriwal's party, have reportedly arrived at the India gate.
Several protesters, reluctant to leave, got under buses and on top of them, and clung to the vehicles and each other as the police tried to carry them away to the buses and to an undisclosed location.
Five protesters are in a meeting with Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her 10 Janpath residence right now.
Sonia Gandhi met with the protesters at midnight for around 20 minutes and reportedly assured them that 'justice would be delivered".
Sonia Gandhi met with the protesters at midnight for around 20 minutes and reportedly assured them that 'justice would be delivered".
Seven metro stations near India Gate - Patel Chowk, Udyog Bhavan, Race Course, Central Secretariat, Khan Market, Barakhamba Road and Mandi House - have been closed from 6 am today to control crowds.
Prohibitory orders imposed in New Delhi district. Heavy deployment of police around India Gate and Vijay Chowk.
