NEW DELHI: Indian police on Sunday banned protests in central New Delhi following a wave of violent demonstrations over the savage gang-rape of a medical student last weekend, an official statement said.

Areas close to the president’s residence and the parliament have been declared off-limits to protesters, it said, a day after police tear-gassed, baton-charged and fired water cannon at demonstrators.

Thousands of protesters, most of them college students, rallied at the India Gate monument in the heart of the Indian capital on Saturday, demanding death penalty for the accused and better safety for women.

Early Sunday morning, police cordoned off all the routes leading to landmark government buildings and said that they had detained a group of protestors citing the prohibitory orders.

“We are here to protest a heinous crime. We have the right to protest,” the Press Trust of India news agency quoted one of the protesters as saying.

Six drunk men were joyriding in a bus when they picked up the physiotherapy student and her 28-year-old male companion last Sunday.

They took turns raping her before throwing the pair off the speeding vehicle.

During her ordeal the victim suffered serious intestinal injuries from being beaten with an iron rod.

The attack has triggered calls to introduce capital punishment for rapists, and the government has said it is considering bringing in legislation to allow judges to hand down the death penalty for the most extreme assaults.

Students chant anti-police slogans during a protest against the Indian government's reaction to recent rape incidents in India, on Saturday, December 22, in New Delhi, India. The demonstration was prompted by wide public outrage over what police said was the gang-rape and beating of a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus in the capital last Sunday.

Demonstrators react from tear gas fired by police during a protest calling for better safety for women. New Delhi alone reported 572 rapes last year and more than 600 in 2012.

Police arrest a demonstrator during a protest. Sunday's attack sparked furious protests across India, where official data show that rape cases have jumped almost 875% over the past 40 years -- from 2,487 in 1971 to 24,206 in 2011

Police unleash water cannon and fire tear gas towards demonstrators.

Demonstrators react as police fire tear gas.

Indian demonstrators march towards India Gate during the protest.

Indian demonstrators carry an injured man from the scene

Police spray water and fire tear gas towards demonstrators.

Demonstrators push against a police barricade.

Students chant anti-police slogans.

Indian police ban rape protests in central New Delhi

Indian police officers baton charge protesters near the Presidential Palace in New Delhi, India, Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012. Police used tear gas and water cannons to push back thousands of people who tried to march to the presidential mansion to protest the recent gang rape and brutal beating of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus

Ahmadabad, India — Indian activists of All India Democratic Students' Organisation (DSO) shout slogans during a protest in Ahmadabad yesterday. The hours-long gang-rape and near fatal beating of a 23-year-old student on a bus in New Delhi triggered outrage and anger across the country as Indians demanded action from authorities who have long ignored persistent violence and harassment against women

When THE Police Attacks...
Indian policemen baton charge a protester as he is driven back from North Block near the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on Dec. 22. Police used tear gas and water cannons to push back thousands of people who tried to march to the presidential mansion to protest the recent gang rape and brutal beating of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus.

Indian rape protests banned after violent clashes in New Delhi

Some carried banners that read: "Hang them (the rapists) now."
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.
Police use water canon to disperse the crowd during a protest against the gang rape of a young woman on a city bus in New Delhi, India.
During her ordeal the victim was attacked with an iron rod, causing serious intestinal injuries.
The attack was the latest in a series of violent assaults on women in the capital that have triggered demands for stricter laws and swifter prosecutions.
Riot police were called in and routes leading to the demonstration site were cordoned off to contain the protests in which some of the demonstrators were seen throwing stones.
Clashes erupted when a group in the crowd tried to break through police barricades and march towards the president's house.
Around 20 students were injured in the clashes and were taken to hospital in the capital, the Press Trust of India reported.
People wave banners as they protest against the Indian Government's reaction to the gang rape of a young woman on a city bus in New Delhi, India.
Doctors at the hospital where the rape victim was being treated said she was in a critical but stable condition and had been removed from a ventilator.
"She is doing much better. She took sips of water and apple juice today," B.D. Athani, medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, told reporters.
The victim is "very brave, positive and optimistic", said another doctor, Abhilasha Yadav.
As outrage intensified over last Sunday's attack, the government appealed for calm.
"This is not a way to protest. Trying to storm buildings and breaking barricades is not a way to start a dialogue," junior home minister R.P.N. Singh told India's CNN-IBN television network.
"The government is trying to do whatever it can to take measures and make sure women are safe in the country."
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh weighed in, telling the home minister to ensure a feeling of security among Delhi residents.
The government said on Friday it would press for life sentences for the woman's six attackers and promised stricter policing. They also promised to pay the victim's medical bills.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, spokesman for the main national opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), told reporters New Delhi "is becoming the rape capital" of India.
BJP opposition leader Sushma Swaraj has demanded rapists receive the death penalty.
The number of rape cases in New Delhi has risen 17 per cent to 661 this year from a year ago, according to government figures, the highest number among India's big cities.
Experts say a combination of abusive sexual behaviour, a scant fear of the law and India's creaky judicial system encourage such attacks in the bustling city of 19 million people.
Five of the suspects were arrested soon after the crime and a sixth was apprehended on Friday.
INDIAN police have banned protests in central New Delhi following a wave of violent demonstrations over the savage gang-rape of a medical student last weekend, an official statement said.

Areas close to the president's residence and the parliament have been declared off-limits to protesters, the statement said, a day after police tear-gassed, baton-charged and fired water cannon on demonstrators.

Yesterday thousands of protesters, most of them college students, rallied at the India Gate monument and then surged toward the sprawling presidential palace, in the sixth and most violent day of protests against the gang-rape of a student last weekend.

Angry protesters shouting "We want justice" called for better safety for women across the country as police struggled to control the crowd, while the 23-year-old victim was still battling for her life in a New Delhi hospital.

Delhi rape: How civil society forced politicians to talk
New Delhi, Dec 19: Can these rapists be raped in the same moving bus, said a twitter message. Indeed, a strong comment. But these kind of reactions are forcing some movement on Delhi rape case and the issue of women's safety.
Sample some comments on twitter:
manothiagarajan: A catholic nation Ireland amended the law on abortion in 2 months for public interest..Why can't our govt. amend the #Rape laws
Meenu_71: Indian Politicians are realizing now that there sud (should) be a strict Law against rapist. Wah you needed gangrape to realize it?
rd_bhatnagar: What's wrong with men. They shud b (should be) using their might to protect, while they r (are) using it to destroy. 6 cowards against 1 woman
Prakash_Sharma: DelhiGangrape is not the worst or the most heinous. Only that it happened under the nose of seat of power. selective sensitivity?
On Wednesday, Union Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde made another statement in parliament after sharing concerns of the MPs on Tuesday. The Delhi High Court also told the Delhi police to file a report on the case status in next two days and also ordered proper medical care for the rape victim and her male friend.
All of yesterday (Dec 18), there were protests by the public and the social media was inundated with messages of all hues and tone. The law makers had a discussion in parliament and suggested concrete steps like death for rapists to special force to protect women in public places.
How the nation came to be agitated, so suddenly? The crime was heinous, no doubt, but the pressure of the civil society was too much to ignore and the normally insensitive administration and casual politicians sprung to action. While most of response is rhetoric, promises seem reassuring.
The power of civil society became apparent with the Anna movement, however, without media support the force seems to lose steam. It is very important to retain the passion of cause and push on.
The public can take pride in recent achievements like reversal of arrest of two girls for comment on Facebook. Due to the public pressure, the government has promised to amend the IT Act (draconian section 66A). On Tuesday, the Palghar police withdrew charges against the two girls and also took into custody three more young men for the attack connected with Facebook comment.

India gang rape protesters clash with police
A man climbs on the roof of a police bus in New Delhi on Saturday, part of a protest against the gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a bus

Police in India's capital used tear gas and water cannons today to push back thousands of people who tried to march to the presidential mansion to protest the gang rape and brutal beating of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus.

Some protesters suffered injuries Saturday in New Delhi when they repeatedly tried to break through steel barricades in a high-security zone. Police fired tear gas and chased the protesters with sticks, and some of the protesters attacked police with stones during sporadic clashes throughout the day.

The protesters were demanding the death penalty for all the six suspects who have been arrested by police following the Dec. 16 attack in New Delhi.

The government said Friday it is seeking life sentences.

The attack last Sunday sparked days of protests across the country from women demanding authorities take tougher action to protect them against the daily threat of harassment and violence. On Friday, Indian officials announced a broad campaign to protect women in New Delhi.

Opposition party condemns police action
Some of the protesters Saturday carried placards reading "Save women. Save India" and "Hang the rapists."

V.K. Singh, a retired Indian army chief, joined the protesters and blamed "political and bureaucratic apathy for crimes against women." He demanded immediate police reforms to train and arm security forces.

C.P.N. Singh, a junior home minister, appealed to the demonstrators, who were mostly students, to protest peacefully and avoid vandalizing government property.
Protesters shout slogans as they march carrying torches near the Presidential Palace in New Delhi on Saturday.

The government is hearing you and taking steps necessary to ensure the safety of women," Singh told reporters.
Ravi Shankar Prasad, a spokesman for the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, however, condemned the police action against the protesters and asked government leaders to talk to them.
Police reinforcements rushed to the area as the crowds of protesters swelled Saturday morning on the lawns near Parliament House. The area is a high-security zone, where the presidential mansion, the prime minister's office and various ministries are located.
The victim and her companion were attacked after getting a ride on a chartered bus. Police said men on the bus gang-raped the woman and beat her and her companion with iron rods as the bus drove through the city for hours, even passing through police checkpoints. The assailants eventually stripped the pair and dumped them on the side of a road.
The woman is recovering from injuries in a New Delhi government hospital.
Activists from Aam Aadmi Party shout anti-government slogans as they hold placards during a protest in New Delhi following the gangrape of a student in the national capital.
Aam Aadmi Party supporters during their protests against Delhi gangrape at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. UNI
Aam Aadmi Party supporters during their protests against Delhi gangrape at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. UNI
Activists from Aam Aadmi Party shout anti-government slogans as they hold placards during a protest in New Delhi following the gangrape of a student in the national capital.
Members of the All India Democratic Women's Association raising slogans during their march to President House to submit a memorandum for strict action against the gangrape culprits in New Delhi
Members of the All India Democratic Women's Association raising slogans during their march to President House to submit a memorandum for strict action against the gangrape culprits in New Delhi.
Girls protesting against the Delhi gangrape incident and demanding justice near Vidhan Sabha in Lucknow
Indian women participate in a protest condemning the gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a city bus on late Sunday in New Delhi. The Parliament and city witnessed outrage over the issue as the MPs and people demanded speedy justice for the victim, who is battling for her life at a city hospital.
The anger against the recent gang-rape of a student on moving bus found reflection on streets and in Parliament as well. Students and women activists came together on Delhi streets to protest outside police station probing the rape case even as the victim is battling for her life in the hospital. The attack sparked new calls for greater security for women in the national Capital
Samajwadi Party MP, Jaya Bachchan breaks down while condemning the recent Delhi gangrape incident in Rajya Sabha. The Indian parliament witnessed outrage over the issue as it sparked fresh concern for women's safety in the national Capital.
Indian women shout slogans during as they stage street demonstration to protest the recent gang-rape of a student on a moving bus in New Delhi. The attack sparked new calls for greater security for women in the national Capital
Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj condemns the recent gang-rape of a young woman on a moving bus, in Parliament as she demands speedy justice. Accused in such cases should be hanged," thundered Swaraj, adding that even if the 23-year-old survived she would be a "zinda laash", traumatised for life
Indian police officers lock the gate of the police station during a protest condemning the gang rape of a 23-year-old student on a moving bus on late Sunday in New Delhi. The anger found reflection not just in street demonstrations but also in Parliament.
Many people, including university students came together on Delhi streets to protest outside a police station probing the gang-rape of a young woman on a moving bus in Delhi on Sunday night.
The recent gang-rape of a student on a moving bus in New Delhi on Sunday found echo on streets as students and people protested against the barbaric crime. The incident has sparked anguish and concern for women's safety in the national capital.
National Federation of Indian Women activists shout slogans during a protest following the gang-rape of a student in New Delhi. The young woman was gang-raped on a moving bus and thrown out of the vehicle. The attack has sparked fresh concern for women's safety in the national Capital.
An Indian woman along with the others participates in a protest condemning the gang rape of a student on a moving bus in New Delhi. The incident has sparked anguish and concern for women's safety in the national capital
Activists from Aam Aadmi Party shout anti-government slogans as they hold placards during a protest in New Delhi following the gangrape of a student in the national capital.
Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi
Demonstrators gesture with upraised middle fingers as they gather for a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi
Demonstrators gather for a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi.
Demonstrators react as police unleash water cannon during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi
Journalists, police and Rapid Action Force personnel react to a teargas shell that landed in their vicinity during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi.
A demonstrator throws back a tear gas shell fired by police during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi
Demonstrators react as police unleash water cannon and tear gas during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi.
Demonstrators react as police unleash water cannon during a protest calling for better safety for women following the rape of a student last week, in front of the Government Secretariat and Presidential Palace in New Delhi
Police use water cannons to disperse demonstrators near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012. Indian police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace on Saturday in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media.
Police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media. The 23-year-old victim is battling for her life in hospital after she was beaten, raped for almost an hour and thrown out of a moving bus on a busy New Delhi street. he protesters, largely college students, are demanding the death penalty for the accused and safety assurances for women. The savage rape and torture occurred on Sunday night, when the woman and her male friend boarded a private bus in south Delhi after watching a movie. The woman was brutally and repeatedly assaulted by six men. Her male friend, who tried to save her, was also beaten up by the rapists. Both the girl and her friend were stripped and dumped by the roadside near the domestic airport, after the nearly 40-minute ordeal in a moving bus, that passed unchallenged through five different police check points while the ghastly act was underway

Police use water cannons to disperse demonstrators near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012. Indian police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace on Saturday in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media.
Demonstrators are hit by a police water cannon near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012. Indian police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace on Saturday in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media
A policeman wields his baton against a demonstrator near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012. Indian police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace on Saturday in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media.
A policeman wields his baton against a demonstrator near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012. Indian police used batons, tear gas and water cannon to turn back thousands of people marching on the presidential palace on Saturday in intensifying protests against the gang-rape of a woman on the streets and on social media.
A protestor holds a candle during a vigil to show solidarity with a rape victim at India Gate in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators hold candles and placards during a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with a rape victim in New Delhi, in the northern Indian city of Chandigarh December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators hold placards and shout slogans in front of the India Gate as they take part in a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators shout slogans during a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
A demonstrator standing on a barricade erected by police shouts slogans during a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
A demonstrator holds a placard in front of the India Gate as she takes part in a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators shout slogans as they hold placards in front of the India Gate while taking part in a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators shout slogans as they carry placards in front of the India Gate during a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators carry placards and banners during a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Women participate in a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with a rape victim at India Gate in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Women participate in a candlelight vigil to show solidarity with a rape victim at India Gate in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
Demonstrators hold placards in front of the India Gate as they take part in a protest rally organised by various women's organisations in New Delhi December 21, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
A college student shouts slogans as she holds a placard during a protest in Jammu December 20, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
College student shout slogans during a protest in Jammu December 20, 2012. Thousands of protesters took to the streets in various parts of the country to demand urgent action against the men who took turns to rape a 23-year-old woman on a moving bus on December 16.
People hold a placard during a candlelight vigil in support of women safety in Mumbai December 20, 2012. The brutal gang rape of a young woman on a bus in the Indian capital has sparked a wave of protests across India, with calls for tougher and swifter action on cases of alleged sexual assault.

Gang-rape victim's condition has improved: Doctors

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS) The 23-year-old Delhi gang-rape victim has shown "improvement" and is "psychologically totally balanced", but the danger of infection spreading in her body continues, doctors said Saturday.
"Her WBC (white blood cell) count has improved but platelet is lower than yesterday (Friday). Platelet rich plasma was administered to her today (Saturday) and infection chances continue to exists," B.D. Athani, medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, told reporters here.
"She has improved and is very alert compared to yesterday (Friday). She is active and communicating. She asked for water this morning. Her all parameters are optimum except reduction in platelet count," said another doctor, part of a multi-discipline medical team treating her.
Athani said since she was admitted to the hospital for the first time Saturday, a team of psychologists assessed her condition.
"Today, our psychiatry department team led by Dr. Kuldip Kumar and Dr. Abhliasha Yadav did preliminary psychology profile/assessment of the victim," he said.
Explaining about her state, Kumar said: "We followed a sensitive approach to talk to her and preliminary investigations show she is psychologically composed."
"She is responding well but it is too early to say anything. She is psychologically extraordinary stable, optimistic and hopes of having a good future," said Kumar, a senior psychiatrist.
"She is very brave and positive and optimistic about her future. Her biological functions are normal and psychologically. She is totally balanced and composed," said Yadav, the other psychiatrist who assessed her Saturday.

VIOLENT Clash with Police in Massive Protests Over Delhi Gang Rape

Raw: Gang Rape Protesters Clash With Police

Protesters clash with police in Indian capital over brutal gang-rape
Demonstrators shout slogans as police use water cannons to disperse them near the presidential palace during a protest rally in New Delhi December 22, 2012

Violent protests in Delhi over gangrape, Shinde briefs PM

Home minister SushilKumar Shinde briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday on the gangrape of 23-year-old woman in Delhi. PM has reportedly told Shinde to ensure that there is sense of security in Delhi and all steps are taken to see there is no recurrence of such incidents.

Earlier on Saturday, intensifying thier protests, hundreds of them turned violent and water cannons and tear gas were used by police to disperse them at Raisina Hill, close to Rashtrapati Bhavan. Police resorted to lathi charge as angry protestors clashed with them at Raisina Hill.

Television footage showed protesters shouting "We want justice" as police struggled to control the crowd who were smashing flower pots and other symbols of the capital's beautification drive.

Police fired teargas shells and used water cannons as several hundreds of young students on Saturday marched towards Rashtrapati Bhavan for the second day demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim.
Six unruly protestors werer reportedly arrested from India Gate.
A boy and a girl and a traffic policeman were injured as the police directed water jets and opened a volley of teargas shells that pushed them back a little even as some of the protesters braved the chill and waterbottles and shoes at the policemen.
Window panes of a police van were smashed. One of the girls broke the glass window of a bus with her hands.
The police action came as 'negotiations' failed at the Raisina Hill leading to Rashtrapati Bhawan failed and the protesters, comprising largely young women and men, tried to breach the barricades to push towards the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The protest spot resembled a battle zone with empty shells and wet roads. The area has been cordoned off and police reinforcements have been rushed to the Hill that divides the North and South Block, which houses the Prime Minister's Office.

Girl protesters alleged that policemen hit them with lathis and declared they will launch a sit-in in the area. Protests refused to disperse from the place.
Student from schools and colleges, members of various organisations, housewives, professionals, young, old, men, women - people from all walks of life have been rallying for quick justice for the women.
Hundreds of young students on Saturday marched towards Rashtrapati Bhavan as protests demanding justice for the 23-year-old gangrape victim continued for the sixth day, with former Army Chief V K Singh joining the protesters at India Gate.
The youths gathered at India Gate this morning and marched through Rajpath towards Raisina Hills where Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister's Office and Home Ministry are located.
The students broke security cordons erected on Rajpath and managed to reach near Raisina Hills where they were stopped.
"You see this problem is because of systemic failure of governance. Police reforms have been lying in cold storage for the last so many years. Why haven't they done anything about it? Why do we have to hear such things from a police commissioner saying that he doesn't have man-power? It is shameful," Singh said.
"Why do you have to see the spectacle on television where Ministry of Home officials have to go out on the streets checking things? Isn't there a failure? This needs to be addressed. This failure comes because of political and bureaucratic apathy in this country," the former Army chief said.
On Friday hundreds of people took to the streets with banners, shouting slogans and waving their fists in the air, demanding justice for the 23-year-old woman who was brutally gang-raped Sunday night and is battling for life.
As tempers flew high, women activists and students tried to enter the high-security Rashtrapati Bhavan presidential palace on Raisina Hill, but were stopped by securitymen. But it didn't stop the hundreds of protesters from trying again.
Towards Friday evening, protesters reached Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's 10 Janpath residence and held a candlelight vigil demanding justice for the victim and her male friend who was with her when she was raped by six men in a moving bus in south Delhi.

Shouting "We want justice", hundreds of women banged at the iron gates of Rashtrapati Bhavan to gain entry.

Government appeals for calm
The government appealed for calm as outrage over the attack on the woman intensified.
"This is not a way to protest. Trying to storm buildings and breaking barricades is not a way to start a dialogue," junior home minister RPN Singh told India's CNN-IBN television network.
"The government is trying to do whatever it can to take measures and make sure that women are safe in the country."
India's government, facing growing protests over the gangrape, vowed on Friday to press for life sentences for the woman's six attackers and promised stricter policing.
The government also said it would pay the medical bills of the 23-year-old victim, who suffered serious intestinal injuries in the attack last Sunday night.

Sheila Dikshit hates 'rape capital' on Delhi

Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit on Friday termed the "horrific assault" on the 23-year-old girl as "most painful" incident for her since she assumed the top post in the capital and said she personally favoured death penalty for rapists.
She said she hated Delhi being called "rape capital" of India and stressed that "something concrete" must be done to instill confidence among women in the city against the growing fear of insecurity.
"Yes, personally I favour that (death penalty) for rapists. We must ensure stringent punishment for perpetrators of such henious crime so that it acts as a deterrent," Dikshit told reporters in New Delhi when asked whether she personally supported gallows for rape convicts.
Justifying the spontaneous protest across the city following the gangrape of the para-medical student in New Delhi on Sunday, Dikshit said her government was ready to take her abroad for better treatment.
Dikshit said maintaining law and order in the city was responsibility of the Delhi Police Commissioner and Lt governor and that the Delhi government did not have any authority over the police.
"The Delhi government does not have any authority over the police. We have been demanding that certain aspect of policing be handed over to the Delhi government...I feel my hands are tied," she said.
The chief minister said there will be no politicking on the issue and as all concerned must respect the sentiments of the people and do everything possible to restore public confidence.
Dikshit said the government plans to bring a stringent law to curb sexual assault on women and requested Additional Solicitor General Indira Jaisingh to prepare a draft bill.
She said all stakeholders would be consulted before finalising the proposed legislation.
Dikshit said the round-the-clock control room for women in distress will function from her office at Delhi Secretariat and will have dedicated phone number. The control room will be commissioned within next 10 days.
"I am shocked at the way she was assaulted. It is really horrifying. We are ready to take her to any part of the world for better treatment. She is in a very critical condition. It is the most painful incident that has taken place since I became chief minister of Delhi," she said.
"We cannot compensate the suffering of the young brave girl. But, we will do everything possible to save her life," Dikshit said.

Activists of the All-India Democratic Women's Association and YWCA students take part in a protest march from Rashtrapati Bhawan to India gate against the gangrape of a girl, in New Delhi. PTI
Sixth accused arrested
The Delhi Police on Friday arrested Akshay Thakur, the sixth accused in the gangrape and brutal assault of a 23-year-old woman, from Aurangabad in Bihar.
Thakur was arrested by a special team of Delhi Police after several raids were conducted at different locations in Bihar.
"Since Tuesday, a special team of Delhi Police was conducting raids in Bihar. The last absconding accused Akshay Thakur was arrested from Bihar's Aurangabad Friday evening," said a police officer.
According to the officer, the accused is being brought to Delhi.
Four other accused were arrested Monday and Tuesday while the fifth accused, who is claiming to be a juvenile, was apprehended on Thursday night.
The fifth accused, who claims to be 17 years old, was detained in a late night raid Thursday from Uttar Pradesh's Badaun by a special team of Delhi Police.
Since he claims to be a minor, police refused to divulge his details.

"He will be taken to a juvenile justice home after confirmation that he is a minor," said the officer.
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