Police shut down roads to stop India rape protests

NEW DELHI (AP) — Authorities have shut down roads in the heart of India's capital to put an end to weeklong demonstrations against the brutal gang rape of a woman in a moving bus.

Thousands of armed police and paramilitary troops blocked roads in central New Delhi on Monday to prevent protesters from marching to the presidential palace.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed for calm and promised that the government would take action to prevent crimes against women.

Singh said, "Anger at this crime is justified, but violence will serve no purpose."

There has been outrage across India over the Dec. 16 gang rape that left the young woman in critical condition in a hospital.

Police used tear gas and water cannons and hit protesters with batons during weekend protests.