Delhi gang rape: Union Minister R P N Singh apologises for police action on protesters

NEW DELHI: Hours after police crackdown on students protesting against the Delhi gang rape, Minister of State for Home R P N Singh tonight apologised to those who were injured during the clashes but said the police action came due to the violence perpetrated by "lumpen elements".

Singh said there was no reason for the students to continue the protests as government accepted all their demands including putting the case in a fast track court and carrying out day-to-day hearing.

"I apologise to all those who injured in police action today. We did not want police beating our own students. But the police action came as some lumpen elements indulged in violence. Anti-social elements were involved in the violence," he told reporters here.

The Minister said 99 per cent students were protesting peacefully and just one per cent were indulging in violence which led to the police crackdown in India Gate and its surrounding areas.

"I assure you that the culprits involved in Delhi case will be punished. They will not get away. Not only in this case, in all rape cases anywhere in India, we are taking action," he said.

Asked whether action will be taken against the Delhi Police Commissioner or any other senior police officer, Singh said "if there is any lapse, we will take strictest action against any police officer, no matter how senior he is."