Thousands take to streets to mourn gang-rape victim

The 23-year-old, still unnamed but dubbed "Nir­bhaya" and "Braveheart" by local media, was cremated in a private ceremony in New Delhi, the city where she was viciously assaulted two weeks ago.

Six men arrested for the attack have now been charged with murder.

Many of those protesting called on the government to change the law to allow the hanging of rapists for their crimes.

The Times of India reported that there was a "genuine sense of loss" among the spontaneous mourners.

The case has highlighted the danger faced by women in India and caused mounting anger over the police and politicians' failure to take the issue seriously.

All India Democratic Women Association New Delhi secretary Madhu Garg said there had been a massive rise in rape cases while the conviction rate of those actually reported stood at a paltry 26 per cent.

"We want a fast-track court for rape cases, which should pass its judgement within 60 days," said Ms Garg.

"The culprits should be sentenced to life imprisonment and they should not get bail," she said.

UN secretary-general Ban Ki Moon also stepped into the row, calling on the Indian government to ramp up its efforts to make the streets safe for women.

• Even as the protests raged across New Delhi a 16-year-old girl was allegedly molested by an off-duty bus conductor, who has been arrested.