PM addresses nation: As father of three girls, feel the pain

The protest continued on Monday as well, although more peacefully, as heavy security near the seat of government ensured that no protester was allowed near India Gate or Parliament complex and North and South Blocks.

Some steps announced by the government over the last few days were also being implemented. A helpline number, 181, was set up for "women in distress". The home ministry convened a meeting of officials from the Delhi Police, New Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Delhi government's transport department, among others, Thursday to discuss ways to strengthen security for women. Chief secretaries and police chiefs of all states have been summoned to Delhi on January 4 to decide on steps to be taken to prevent crime against women.

"The January 4 meeting will discuss the overall scenario of crime against women, particularly rape, and how to check them. We will also discuss how to fast-track the rape cases," home minister Sushil Kumar Shinde said in interviews to TV channels.

Shinde also met the chief justice of Delhi High Court and requested him to set up fast-track courts to deal with crime against women, particularly the latest gangrape. The trial is likely to begin January 3 and be held daily.

Delhi's Lieutenant Governor Tejendra Khanna cut short his holiday in the United States and returned to Delhi following a call from Shinde. Shortly after his arrival, Khanna suspended two senior police officers — ACP (Traffic) Mohan Singh Dabas and ACP (PCR) Yad Ram — for dereliction of duty on the day the gangrape took place.

Meanwhile, the three-member panel of jurists constituted Sunday to make recommendations on amending laws to provide speedier justice and enhanced punishment in sexual assault cases, sought public comments by January 5.

"You will see our action, then you will realise. I will request them (committee members) to give their suggestions as early as possible and we will act upon them," Shinde said.

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