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In Pictures: Delhi demands rapists’ death

Thousands gathered in India’s capital to mourn the death of a gang-rape victim, and to demand her attackers be hanged.

Hundreds of people came out to protest after it was declared that the victim of the Delhi gang rape had breathed her last. Protesters shouted slogans and carried placards demanding the death of those who stand accused.

By Showkat Shafi

Published On 29 Dec 2012

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New Delhi, India – Demanding capital punishment for rapists and more security of women, thousands of protesters took to the streets of India’s capital on Saturday.

Together, they mourned the death of a 23-year-old woman who was brutally gang raped on December 16 on a moving bus in Delhi.

The victim, whose attack triggered widespread protests demanding stricter laws and greater safety, succumbed to her injuries earlier in the day in Singapore. her body was to be flown back to India later on Saturday. 

Protesters of all ages started gathering at 10:00am at Jantar Mantar in the heart of the city, the centre for many of the protests that have taken place here. Some younger women who joined the protests were accompanied by their parents, chanting slogans against the violence shown to women. They also decried the security lockdown of India Gate and its surrounding areas, which saw violent protests last week when thousands of protestors had clashed with police. 

Ten metro stations around these areas have also been closed for added security measures.

Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit arrived in Jantar Mantar around 2:00pm, but was forced to leave as angry protesters swarmed around her. Those demonstrating, in this city and across India, say they plan to continue the disruption until their demands are met.

A woman carries a placard protesting against the violent rape that took place in Delhi. People are demanding a safer city with more security for women.
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Police officers stand guard on a road leading to the India Gate landmark. The government deployed hundreds of policemen and paramilitary forces, fearing a renewal of large scale protests in Delhi.
People protested peacefully, with many sitting with placards with slogans.
Some protested by lying down on the road as they demanded justice for the woman who was brutally gang raped on a moving bus in Delhi.
All age groups were represented in the protest. KK Passi, a 72-year-old former army officer, carried this placard.
The gang rape and subsequent death of a 23-year-old student in Delhi had triggered widespread protests across the country.
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People prayed for the victim and paid homage to her by lighting candles and placing flowers. The deceased medical student has been given the symbolic name of "Damini", drawing inspiration from a 1993 Hindi film about a woman(***)s struggle for justice for a rape victim.
Some protesters were joined by parents. KK Khanna, a 52-year-old businessman, marched alongiside his 23-year-old dauighter, Kanika.
Members of the country(***)s Rapid Action Force stood guard at the India Gate monument after Delhi police locked down areas around Rajpath, where violent protests took place last week.
Anil Bharadwaj, a 40 year old lawyer, protested by writing slogans on his body. He also wore a black band on his forehead to mourn the death of the victim.
Protesters and media engulfed the 18th century Jantar Mantar observatory.
Men and women were both protesting against the violence shown towards women in India.
A candle-lit vigil was also held, as protesters covered their mouths with black bands in a mark of mourning.