Protesters throng Jantar Mantar

Thousands of protesters, including representatives of various political parties, gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to express grief and solidarity with the gang-raped victim, who was also brutally assaulted by six men on December 16 causing severe injuries that eventually led to her death on Saturday morning.

Hearing the news of victim’s death, police officers were deployed at Jantar Mantar even as all arterial roads leading to India Gate and the President’s House were barricaded. The Delhi Police announced in the morning that people can protest peacefully at Jantar Mantar and Ramlila Grounds. 

Around 5,000 police personnel were deployed in the New Delhi area, completely blocking India Gate after putting up three-layers of security barricades and diverting traffic movement to other roads. “A total of 41 companies of force were in place, including 21 paramilitary forces. At various places, water cannon vehicles were placed and police carrying teargas shell guns were on their toes. Many senior officers, including special cell of Delhi Police, were deployed at Jantar Mantar,” said senior police officers.  

Law enforcers also announced at Jantar Mantar to keep watch on anti-social elements and report about them. “Some miscreants have sneaked into the protest site consuming alcohol and may create trouble. If found, people should report the matter to the security officers,” announced a police officer.

Students, activists and political party representatives gathered at the venue and shouted slogans of “we want justice and freedom” throughout the day. Supporters of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led by Arvind Kejriwal reached Jantar Mantar around 11 am.

“We have not come here to demand anything from government but to pay homage and respect to someone. She was not merely a victim but also an epitome of bravery and courage. It is a day for nation to grieve,” said AAP leader Yogendra Yadav.

Members from the youth wings of Congress, BJP and the Left were also there carrying their banners and shouting slogans. Many students objected to the political parties bringing banners to the protest site and pleaded with them not to politicise the issue.
Till afternoon, the crowd was not more than 500 but with passage of time, around 1,500 people gathered to demand harsher punishment for the six accused.