Demonstrations to protest against the gangrape of a 23-year-old woman in Delhi, continued today with youths and students staging a dharna near the chief minister residence here.
A number of students and youths took out a procession from GPO park and reached the CM residence on Kalidas Marg passing through Raj Bhawan.
Near CM residence they staged a dharna demanding to meet CM Akhilesh Yadav. The protesters said the government must ensure security of women and the speedy trial of pending rape cases in the state.
When the administration officials attempted to pacify the protesters, they had an altercation with them after which police forcibly evicted the road.
Meanwhile, a number of processions were taken out in the city condemning the Delhi incident and demanding capital punishment to the accused.
Reports of similar protests were received from the other parts of the state.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said that the accused of Delhi rape case should get stern punishment.
In a reply to a question Akhilesh said that everyone was grieved with the incident and it was a "heinous" crime.
He said the government and officers concerned should work with full responsibility in such "sensitive" matters.
"The accused should get punishment and a harsh one," he said.
When asked about police action on protesters in Delhi, Akhilesh said that all those, who participated in the demonstrations, were demanding stern punishment against the accused and even capital punishment.
"And the government has also assured in this regard," he said.
He said demonstrations and dharnas were also held in UP and it was the effort of the government that during such protest force and tear gas was not used.
A group of women also staged a protest outside the Raj Bhawan.
Meanwhile, extending solidarity with those protesting in Delhi demanding justice for the gangarape victim, a group of people took out a motorcyle rally in Chennai.
The protesters numbering around 200 gathered in front of Marina Beach and took out the rally for some distance and returned, police said.
They demanded strong action against the guilty in the Delhi gangrape case and steps to prevent such incidents in future.
