Be patient, says government on Delhi cop Subhash Chand Tomar's death

The government Wednesday urged people to "be patient" and let the investigation into the death of a Delhi policeman after a gang-rape protest reach its logical conclusion.

"The investigation is underway. Everybody needs to be patient. We are taking all the steps that are necessary to take this matter to its logical conclusion," Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari said after a cabinet meeting.

"We are working towards making all the cities in the country safer for our sisters and mothers," he added.

The Delhi Police has said that 47-year-old constable Subhash Chand Tomar was badly beaten up near India Gate during street protests Sunday against the gang-rape of a 23-year-old woman who remains in critical condition.

Police also said that the constable, who joined Delhi Police in 1987, was injured in chest, neck and head and that protestors had kicked and punched him after he fell on the street. The policeman was cremated Tuesday with state honours.

Finance Minister P.Chidambaram said that the government was waiting for the port-mortem examination report of the constable.

"A case has been registered. The matter is under investigation," he said.

"My appeal to everyone is, a person has died in a situation where a serious criminal offence has been registered. We must observe restraint in commenting on the incident," Chidambaram added.