AAP activists protest against Delhi Police

Police sprayed water at hundreds of AAP activists who staged a noisy protest here on Sunday against alleged police inaction over the brutal murder of a young woman.

Some 250 Aam Aadmi Party members staged the demonstration near the Delhi Police headquarters in the heart of the city.

As some of them tried to break through a police cordon, the police sprayed water at them, effectively dispersing them, witnesses said.

The AAP was protesting against what it said was police inaction that led to the murder on Thursday of a young woman who was repeatedly stabbed by allegedly two neighbours after she objected to their verbal abuse.

The woman had earlier complained against the assailants, saying they stalked her.

The AAP said the police needed to probe the issue without any political influence.

"The only reason the girl died is due to police inaction," an AAP supporter told IANS at the protest site.

"Despite complaints from the girl, they didn't take the matter seriously. We now want the police to investigate the matter and take action against the killers."

Meenakshi, a Class 11 student, was murdered in central Delhi's Anand Parbat area.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday called on the victim's family and announced a compensation of Rs.5 lakh to her family.

The AAP leader also hit out at the police, saying they needed to report to the Delhi government. Delhi Police now reports only to the central home ministry.

The Delhi government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the case. The city government has also sought a report from Delhi Police.

"Delhi Police comes under the prime minister," Kejriwal said, referring to the home ministry's control over Delhi Police.

"Either they (central government) should devote time to improve the law and order situation in Delhi, or they should hand over Delhi Police to the state government."