7 Metro stations closed near Raisina Hill, India Gate

Anticipating more protests on the gang-rape of a young girl, seven Delhi Metro stations near Raisina Hill and India Gate were closed for public on Sunday.

On Sunday night it was decided to close four stations – Patel Chowk, Central Secretariat, Udyog Bhawan and Race Course -- but this morning it was extended to three more -- Barakhamba, Mandi House and Khan Market.

Though the commuters were less in the morning it being Sunday, the few who chose to take Metro to reach these destinations were put to hardship as they unaware of the announcement made late on Saturday last night by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Commuters headed towards central Delhi were at the receiving end of a security clampdown to contain protests.

The police set up barricades throughout Rajpath and did not allow vehicular movement on the stretch that leads to Raisina Hill.

The common people, who were on foot, were also not allowed to take certain stretches to cross Rajpath.

Several people, who were headed to Connaught Place from south Delhi, had to take longer routes, as the police did not allow traffic on Rajpath.

"There were no advisories or anything. We are stuck. If they take decisions late in the night and do not publicise them, then this will happen. This is harassment of the people," said Nisha, who was heading to her office in Connaught Place.

Delhi Metro's decision came on the directions of Delhi police. The stations will remain closed till further orders.

"The stations will remain closed till DMRC gets further orders from the Delhi police. All the four stations are close to India Gate. However, interchange will be allowed at the Central Secretariat station," DMRC officials said.

Thousands of youth clashed with police undeterred by the repeated use of water cannons, teargas shells and baton charge on Saturday.