Anger flares in India following the gang rape of a 23-year-old medical student on a moving bus in New Delhi.

Anti-rape protests swept the country, as people from all quarters stood united, calling for more action from authorities.

The student was gang-raped on Sunday night and was later thrown semi-naked out of the moving vehicle.

The girl's male friend tried to prevent the accused from molesting her, but the men also attacked him.

The victim, who is on ventilator support, has severe genital, abdominal and head injuries and is battling for her life in a city hospital.

The nature of the incident has shocked the conscience of a nation where one woman is raped every 20 minutes, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.

Women lawmakers from opposition parties demonstrated outside parliament in New Delhi, urging the government to crack down on crimes against women.

Under a barrage of criticism, India's ruling Congress Party said they were taking action.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SPOKESPERSON OF INDIA'S RULING CONGRESS PARTY, RENUKA CHAUDHARY, SAYING:

"There has been a rising demand that there has to be a quick judicial response to such things and that the fast track court is imperative, so as to ensure the dignity of the victim as well as to facilitate witnesses and other concerned people who will depose in front of the court."

The police have arrested the bus driver and three others in connection with the incident.