In pics: Through protests, India demands change

A young woman holds a placard during a protest against a recent gang rape of a young woman in a moving bus in New Delhi on Dec. 27, 2012.

The brutal assault on the 23-year-old who died in Singapore today created a grid of anger and grief in our cities. Demonstrators are seeking more safety for women, tougher laws against sexual offenders, and fast-track trials for crimes of sexual assault.

Picture dated December 27.

Cops man barricades ahead of a face-off with protestors at India Gate, the nerve centre of the demonstrations.

Picture dated December 27.
As effigies were burnt, protestors called for harsher punishments for rape.

Picture dated December 26, 2012.
Protests were answered by water cannons. The freezing jets of water in chilly Delhi were met with defiance by protestors.

Picture dated December 23.

A man, overwhelmed by tear-gas smoke, lies on the ground during a violent protest in New Delhi on Dec. 23, 2012.
Among the casualties was a government car, upturned by an enraged mob after the protests became violent. Picture dated December 23.
A policeman wields his baton at the barricades.

Picture dated December 23.

Surrounded by a ring of sticks, protestors huddle together and shield themselves with their hands.

Picture dated December 22.
The equivalent of wearing your heart on your sleeve?

Picture dated December 23.
Fury at the President's doorstep: the crowd outside Rashtrapati Bhavan grew in numbers and anger.

Picture dated December 22.

Police sprayed the restless crowd at Rashtrapati Bhavan with water.

Picture dated December 22.
Through the smoke, protestors with placards march on.

Picture dated December 22.
The shattered windscreen of a police car, possibly hit by a stone thrown by the angry crowd.

Picture dated December 22.
In the eye of the storm: Protesters in a scuffle with policemen.

Picture dated December 22.
Signs of protest: placards calling for better safety for women.

Picture dated December 22.
Police fire tear-gas shells at protestors assembled at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Picture dated December 22
The anger spread across the country. In Ahmedabad, young women with placards took part in a candle light vigil.

Picture dated December 23.
In Kolkata, students marched down the streets shouting slogans and holding placards demanding safety, respect and freedom for women.

Picture dated December 27.
Youths hold placards during a rally in Siliguri.

Picture dated December 22.