India's prime minister called for calm and vowed to protect women Monday as he sought to tamp down growing public outrage over the gang rape and beating of a 23-year-old female student in New Delhi, India's capital.

Manmohan Singh, in a televised address, assured the nation that justice would be “delivered in this case” and urged Indians to “maintain peace and calm.”

He said “all possible efforts” will be taken to ensure the safety and security of Indian women.

Protests about the brutal attack have taken place across the country for several days. Many protesters are demanding the death penalty for the six men now in detention.

Police in New Delhi Sunday used tear gas and water cannons for a second day on demonstrators demanding speedy action against the suspects.

Police have banned protests in the area of New Delhi where the protesters have been staging massive demonstrations about the rape.

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.