Protests near CM's residence, Writers' Building over gangrape

As many as 26 students and women were arrested today for demonstrating against the "apathy" of the West Bengal government towards the gangrape and murder of girl student at Barasat.

Condemning Saturday's incident at Barasat in neighbouring 24 Parganas district, members of 'Nari Maitree' organisation held a demonstration at Hazra near Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's residence with placards demanding that she act immediately to ensure safety of women in the state.

"It is the responsibility of the CM to restore law and order and ensure safety and security of women in the state," the protestors said.

Thirteen protestors were arrested, police sources said.

Later, 13 members of the Chhatra Parishad, student wing of Congress, were arrested for demonstrating before the state secretariat, Writers' Building, the sources said.
The protestors demanded punishment for the perpetrators of the crime.

A procession was also taken out by four Left students organisations decrying the state government's "apathy".

Traffic was disrupted by the procession of women members at Esplanade when the police stopped them.

They carried placards demanding punishment for the perpetrators and asked why the state government was "indifferent" to atrocities on women.

Three student representatives later submitted a memorandum to the Home department at Writers' Building.

"We will also submit another memorandum to the Governor," they said.
The protestors said if the state government did not improve law and order and provide proper security to women, a bigger movement would be launched.