Child rape case: Women's organisations march to Parliament

Women's organisations today took out a march towards Parliament demanding removal of Delhi Police Commissioner and other officers in the wake of rape of a five-year-old girl here, but were prevented by police.

The protesters had gathered at Jantar Mantar in the morning and started their march later.

They tried to break barricades and march towards Parliament but were prevented by police.

The demonstrators were led by CPI(M)-backed All India Democratic Women's Association (AIDWA), Akhil Bharatiya Janwadi Mahila Sangathan, National Federation for Indian Women (NFIW), All India Student's Association (AISA), All India Progressive Women's Association (AIPWA) and activists from the Student's Federation of India (SFI).

"We are not satisfied with the removal of officers. We want departmental enquiries into the matter. We also demand the arrest of the police officer who slapped and injured a protester," Rashpal Kaur, member of Akhil Bharatiya Janwadi Mahila Sangathan, said.

AIPWA member Kavita Krishnan said, "We are going to meet the Home Minister and the Lt Governor and demand the removal of the errant police officers who did not register complaint filed by the parents of this girl in the first place."

The demonstrators also demanded the resignation of the Home Minister following reports of another rape in Silchar.

"We are protesting against the human rights violations and the government cover-up. We don't think society has taken the problem of crime against women seriously in India," Rihanna, member of a US-based women rights group who joined the demonstrations, said.

Protesters also gathered at Delhi Police Headquarters for the third day today demanding removal of Commissioner Neeraj Kumar and justice for the five-year-old rape victim.