Rahul Gandhi leads candlelight march over Unnao, Kathua rape incidents in New Delhi

His sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also joined the march.

Speaking on the issue, Gandhi said: "This is a matter about the safety of women in this country. This is not a political issue. This is an issue of national importance.The government should do something to ensurer safety of women in the nation."

Earlier, he had tweeted: "Like millions of Indians my heart hurts tonight. India simply cannot continue to treat its women the way it does. Join me in a silent, peaceful, candlelight vigil at India Gate at midnight tonight to protest this violence and demand justice."

Several top Congress leaders, including  Ghulam Nabi Azad, took part in the march to the India Gate at the heart of the national capital.

On Thursday, Gandhi had condemned the two alleged rape incidents that have left the nation shocked.

"How can anyone protect the culprits of such evil? What happened to Asifa at #Kathua is a crime against humanity. It cannot go unpunished. What have we become if we allow politics to interfere with such unimaginable brutality perpetrated on an innocent child?," he had tweeted.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, on Thursday, said that the law cannot be obstructed by irresponsible actions, after a group of lawyers obstructed the Crime Branch and tried to prevent it from filing a charge sheet against those accused of raping and murdering an eight-year old girl in Kathua town three months ago.

The Crime Branch has already filed a charge sheet against eight accused who allegedly raped and murdered the eight year old child in Rasna area of Heeranagar.

There have been allegations that some BJP-backed supporters are trying to defend the rapists demanding transfer of case from Crime Branch to CBI.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister tweeted on Thursday: “The Law will not be obstructed by the irresponsible actions & statements of a group of people. Proper procedures are being followed, investigations are on the fast track & justice will be delivered. #JusticeForAsifa”.

Shocking the nation,the minor was held captive by the accused at a temple and later she was raped, mutilated and murdered in Rassana village of Kathua, months ago, crime branch of Jammu and Kashmir police stated.

Alleged rape of a minor in Uttar Pradesh's Unnao has also left the nation condemning the incident.

Image: Congress Twitter page