A group of protesters, allegedly owing allegiance to BJP's student wing ABVP, today clashed with police at Jantar Mantar during a demonstration demanding speedy punishment for the rapists of the girl who died after battling for life.
The hitherto peaceful protest turned violent at around 1 pm when a group among the protesters carrying flags and banners of ABVP tried to take out a march from Jantar Mantar to Connaught Place but police prevented them from moving ahead, following which the clash erupted.
While one group went ahead with the peaceful demonstration, another group tried to break the iron barricades and police called in more reinforcement. Protesters managed to break some of the barricades but police immediately contained them.
Police, meanwhile, started an exercise to identify the miscreants and is taking them away from the spot. At Jantar Mantar, young and old, men and women gathered at the protest hotspot from morning in an outpouring of grief and anger at the rape and death of the 23-year paramedic student.
A group of protesters sat on a one-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar while others shouted slogans holding placards in their hands.
India Gate and Raisina Hill, where violent protests had taken place last week, remained out of bounds for public today as hundreds of policemen in riot gear guarded the area.
"The entire central vista including Rajpath, Vijay Chowk and all roads leading to India Gate will be closed for general traffic. Kamal Attaturk Marg has also been closed. All travellers are advised to avoid these roads," police said.