Delhi chief Dikshit leads rape protest

New Delhi residents brave wintery weather to march in protest of a gang rape that resulted in the death of a 23-year-old woman last week.

The Wednesday march was called by the city's Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, who attended with members of her cabinet and continued to draw followers as they wound through the city.

Dikshit -- and the central government -- have themselves been the target of protest over women's safety in the wake of the incident.

Indians were shocked when news spread of the brutal beating and sexual assault allegedly perpetrated by five men and a teenage boy on December 16.

The unnamed woman died of her injuries on Saturday, sparking further anger amid middle class citizens demanding gender equality.

This protester says women are not safe on the streets of New Delhi and the only way to stop this kind of violence is to punish offenders harshly.

The suspects are currently in custody.

Police announced on Tuesday that they would ask prosecutors to seek the death penalty for her adult attackers.

Experts say India is plagued with violence targeting women, including rape, dowry murders, acid attacks, honour killings and child marriages.