New Delhi: Anti-rape protesters demanding justice for the 23-year-old gang-rape victim may disrupt the Republic Day parade, a top police officer said in New Delhi on Monday.
According to intelligence inputs, some groups have been identified that may try to create trouble during the parade.
"We have got some inputs. We will take strict action against the protesters if they try to enter Janpath or India Gate area on or a day before January 26," a senior police officer, who did not wish to be named, said.
Anti-rape protests erupted in the national capital and elsewhere in the country after the 23-year-old physiotherapist trainee was gang-raped by six males on Dec 16 last year. The woman alongwith her friend were beaten up and then thrown out of the moving bus on the road - bloodied and without clothes. The woman died 13 days later in a Singapore hospital.
Hundreds and on occasions thousands collected at India Gate to protest the barbaric crime and demanded strict anti-rape laws. Many also clashed with police and damaged some properties that were erected for the Republic Day parade in which India's military and rich cultural heritage is showcased.
The parade originates from Vijay Chowk at the foot of Raisina Hill, which houses the Rashtrapati Bhavan and the offices of the prime minister, and the defence minister external affairs, finance and home ministers.
Dozens of people still continue to protest at Jantar Mantar.
According to another police official, they have identified the groups and are keeping a watch on their activities.
Officials said some of the groups have planned to boycott the Republic Day - India's constitution came into force on January 26, 1950 after it gained indpendence from the British August 15, 1947 - to demand better laws to make women feel secure in the country.
Sources said some of the groups, who were protesting at Jantar Mantar, also did not celebrate Christmas and New Year.
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