Mysuru: Alleging that  atrocities and crimes against women are on the rise in the country, members of Maanaviya Mahila Seva Trust staged a candlelight protest at Gandhi Square in the heart of the city yesterday.

Claiming that Nirbhaya rape and murder case, the recent rape and murder of a veterinary doctor in Telangana, the Unnao rape and murder, rape and murder of a minor girl in Kalaburagi and such other heinous crimes against women have shocked the nation, the protesters urged the Government to ensure the safety and security of women through appropriate measures.

They also demanded that the convicts in such cases be punished with death.

Former Karnataka State Women’s Commission Chairperson Manjula Manasa, Trust Office-bearers M.S. Bharathi, P. Geetha, Rajalakshmi, V. Leelavathi, Harish, M.R. Madesh, R. Bhavani, Prashanth Raje Urs and others took part in the protest.