The gang rape of a college girl in Delhi figured prominently in both Houses of Parliament on Tuesday with several members attacking the Delhi police for its 'failure' to take timely action.

Demanding exemplary punishment to those found guilty of the heinous crime, members regretted that the government had not taken any immediate action.

The issue was raised by Sarbananda Sonawal of Asom Gana Parishad in Lok Sabha and Mohsina Kidwai of Congress in Rajya Sabha.

Several members demanded deterrent punishment to prevent recurrence of such crimes in the capital.

Observing that Delhi had become an 'unsafe' city for women, Sonawal said students from the north-east were especially vulnerable because of their distinct looks and inability to speak Hindi.

"No help came from the police even though a police control room van was informed within 15 minutes," Sonawal said, adding the security system in the Delhi should be reviewed.

Kidwai suggested that special squads be set up to deal with crime against women. She also demanded a need for in-camera trials for rape cases.

The 20-year-old girl was gang raped in a moving car near Dhaula Kaun, a high security area, in the early hours of Sunday.