Furious Delhi takes to streets, blames CM Sheila Dikshit govt, demands end to 'rape culture'; water-cannoned by policemen

Furious crowds gathered in front of Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit's house as well as at police headquarters calling out for an end to crime against women as well as accountability from those who are responsible for maintaining law and order.

The outpouring of anger is unusual in a country where attacks against women are often ignored and rarely prosecuted.

Scores of protesters associated with All India Students' Association (AISA), All India Democratic Womens' Association (AIDWA), other organisations as well as ordinary people shocked by the tragedy staged protests.

Their main demand was that chief minister comes out of her office and addresses the crowd and explain why girls are being left at the mercy of criminal elements by her govt - loud demands for her exit also rent the air.

A section of the crowd is asking for an end to the 'culture of rape' that has the country in its grip.

Dikshit did not oblige, but the crowd vowed not to budge till she talks to them. Dikshit in fact refused to come out, but said that she would welcome a 'peaceful' entry into her office by 2-3 representatives of the protesters.

For their troubles, the gathered crowds, consisting mostly of young girls, and a sprinkling of men, was water-cannoned by trigger-happy policemen in the cold and wintry afternoon.

The drenching did not deter the gathering as they kept screaming and pushing the barricades in an effort to enter her residence - cops put these up to safeguard the CM.

Protesters are saying they want her to 'face the cameras' and explain her position and outline a strategy to make women feel safer.

"If we are not safe in our national capital, then where can we? Government is just playing the game of passing the buck and shying away from its responsibility. Delhi CM is saying law and order is under Home Ministry and they are saying its the responsibility of the state. How long such things will go on?" one of the protesters asked.

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