Women march to Rashtrapati Bhawan to protest gangrape, vent rage at gates, barricades

Even days after the grisly gangrape in Delhi horrified the entire country, protests by women have not abated, if anything they seem to be growing and acquiring a new purpose - of forcing recalcitrant authorities to ensure the safety of women and more than that to stop the humiliation heaped on them on a daily basis by uncouth males on the street.

A large number of women activists and students today marched towards Pranab Mukherjee-occupied Rashtrapati Bhavan to protest against the gangrape of a young girl in a moving bus and demand stringent action against rapists. The extent of their anger was clear from the violent manner they stormed the gates and tried to break through them.

They are protesting the fact that none of the authorities is taking the events of the last few days seriously as is clear from the central and state govt's actions.

The protesters under the aegis of AIDWA, YWCA and JNUSU among others started their march from Rajpath and as they reached Vijay Chowk, they went past the barricades erected at the entrance of Raisina Hills and moved towards Rashtrapati Bhavan and South and North Blocks.

Police stopped the protesters at Rashtrapati Bhavan gates.

Carrying placards and shouting slogans, the protesters demanded stringent punishment for rapists and many of them were seen trying to push away impediments in their path.

One of the girls identified as Swati managed to go near the Rashtrapati Bhavan but was escorted back later.

"They say we need permission to enter there. Why do we need permission? When we are attacked and harassed, nobody needs any permission. We are here to raise our voices and for that we need permission," she said.

The protesters at Raisina Hills later marched towards India Gate.

A group of people also staged protest outside Safdarjung Hospital and blocked traffic for sometime.

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