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| Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit leads protest for justice and security for women following the New Delhi's gang-rape incident |
New Delhi: Despite the shivering cold New Delhi residents on Wednesday
took to street demanding justice in the gang-rape that resulted in death of a
23-year-old girl last week.
The Wednesday march was called by the city's Chief Minister
Sheila Dikshit, who attended with members of her cabinet and continued to draw
followers as they wound through the city.
Dikshit -- and the central government -- have themselves
been the target of protest over women's safety in the wake of the incident.
The incident provoked nationwide outrage. Indians were
shocked when news spread of the brutal beating and sexual assault allegedly
perpetrated by five men and a teenage boy on December 16.
The unnamed woman died of her injuries on Saturday, sparking
further anger amid middle class citizens demanding gender equality.
This protester says women are not safe on the streets of New
Delhi and the only way to stop this kind of violence is to punish offenders
harshly.
The suspects are currently in custody.
Police announced on Tuesday that they would ask prosecutors
to seek the death penalty for her adult attackers.
Experts say India is plagued with violence targeting women,
including rape, dowry murders, acid attacks, honor killings and child
marriages.