India's ruling Congress party chief has met with protesters demonstrating outside her New Delhi residence about the recent gang rape of a female student.

Sonia Gandhi met early Sunday with the demonstrators who are demanding that action be taken against the rapists. Police have arrested all six suspects.

Police said Sunday they have banned protests in the area of the capital where protesters have been staging massive demonstrations about the rape.

Police say the areas near the president's residence and parliament have been declared off-limits to protesters. Several metro stations have been closed in anticipation of more protests Sunday.

On Saturday, thousands of protesters marched in New Delhi, shouting “we want justice” as police struggled to control the crowd, using tear gas and a water cannons.

The rape victim was attacked last Sunday after she and a male friend were given a ride on a bus in New Delhi. She remains hospitalized with severe injuries.

Despite her condition, she was able to give a statement to police Saturday.

More than 600 cases of rape have been reported in New Delhi so far this year, one of the highest rates in the country.