Rape protests across Delhi: This time it's political

New Delhi: Protests over the rape of five year old girl in East Delhi, so far, have been organised by political parties with not much involvement of citizens. Unlike the anti-rape agitation last December which saw angry public coming out on streets, this time, it is the BJP and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) which have dominated the protest venues along with women’s organisations lead by All India Progressive Women’s Association (AIPWA). While the December agitation saw seething middle class directing its rage towards the government, the current round of protests look like attempts to corner the Sheila Dikshit government as Delhi assembly election is scheduled later this year. [caption id=“attachment_716654” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] AAP supporters demonstrated outside Delhi police headquarter demanding the resignation of Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar Shinde. AFP[/caption] More than 30 members of BJP’s women’s wing demonstrated outside the residences of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde where police presence was sharply increased yesterday. Police detained the protesters at the two venues. Around 50 protesters including members of a citizen’s forum called ‘December 16 Kranti’ and ‘Durga Yuva Vahini’, a right wing cultural organisation stayed put outside All India Institute of Medical Sciences, where the rape- victim is undergoing treatment. AAP supporters demonstrated outside Delhi police headquarter demanding the resignation of Delhi police commissioner Neeraj Kumar Shinde. Around 4.45pm, Delhi police issued a message to AAP members saying that police has done whatever it could do under the law. “ACP who misbihaved with lady protester along with SHO and investigating officer of Ganghi Nagar were suspended, “read the message. As per the message, the main accused, Manoj, will be tried in a fast track court. “Fast track enquiry will be held against guilty police officers and punishment meted out to them as per ruled and regulations.” AAP members, lead by party member Gopal Rai, discarded the message and started marching towards the prime minister"s residence.