Home Minister Sushilkumar Shinde said that certain “political elements” were behind yesterday's violence at India Gate and its surrounding areas. “We have information that some political elements were behind the violence. We are enquiring into it,” he said.
In his televised address, the Prime Minister said he and his family join in the concern for the victim, who was gangraped and brutally assaulted in a moving bus in south Delhi.
“As a father of three daughters myself, I feel as strongly about this as each one of you,” Singh said adding the government was constantly monitoring her medical condition.
Emphasising that anger at this crime is “justified”, he said, “but violence will serve no purpose...We will examine into delay not only the responses to this terrible crime but also all aspects concerning the safety and security of women.”
BJP slammed the government for turning down its suggestion of convening a special Parliament session to make a tougher law on crime against women and said it will raise the issue with President Pranab Mukherjee tomorrow.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said it is regrettable that government “does not want to talk” to the Opposition or the protesters.
Thousands of commuters were stranded at major intersections due to massive traffic jams as several roads and nine Metro stations were shut down to prevent the protesters from reaching India Gate and Raisina Hill.
ITO Bridge, one of the major connections in the capital, was clogged with vehicles since morning hours and the chaos only aggravated as the day progressed with people having to wait patiently for hours.
There was traffic chaos at Pragati Maidan, Nizamuddin Bridge, Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, Mother Teresa Cresent Road, Mathura Road, Khan Market, Mandi House and Barakhamba Road, besides other major sections.
