Do we have democracy? asks DCW chief after being stopped from hunger strike

New Delhi: Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) chief Swati Maliwal on Tuesday alleged that Delhi Police was not allowing her to peacefully protest against the Hyderabad rape-murder case and growing incidents of crime against women.

In a tweet, Maliwal wrote on Tuesday, "Police is not allowing us to sit at Jantar Mantar. Police barricaded the entire Jantar Mantar area the whole night and stopped us from putting up our tents, mike and toilets. They are openly saying they will not allow us to sit on a hunger strike."

The DCW chief further added, "Do women not have the right to even sit on a protest in this country? What is this fear that the central government has? Do we really have a democracy?"

Maliwal, however, is determined on her resolve to sit on an indefinite hunger strike and would do demonstrations wherever she finds space.

"The last time I sat on an indefinite hunger strike it went on for 10 days before the law on rape of minors was passed. I have written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well and hope he can bring the nation together against such crimes," Maliwal told India Today TV.

Speaking about her demands, Maliwal told India Today TV, "I want the police to be held accountable. The number of police personnel across the country has to be increased significantly and there should be a lot more fast-track courts to deal with crimes against women."

Maliwal said that she won't end her hunger strike till the government assures her that her demands would be fulfilled.