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Role of Social Media in Mass-Movement: A Case Study of Delhi Gang Rape *Amith Kumar introduction The Delhi gang rape case was not perceived as ‘just another’ crime against a woman, rather it turned out to be a public outrage, that finds a common platform in new media, with a lot of social, political and legal implications. People from every section of society gathered at their own will. Not a single political party or politicians were welcomed during the protests. There was no big rally led by any leader. The cause became important and platform was provided by new media. Objective Delhi gang rape case was such a heinous crime that it utterly shaken the entire nation and the world. On the night of December 16, 2012, the victims, a 23-year-old woman and her male friend, were on their way home after watching a movie. They boarded an off-duty charter bus that was being driven by a bunch of criminal minded people who were out for the fun. Soon the victim and their male friend were started targeting by passing lewd comments. When the victim’s friend tried to intervene, he was beaten, gagged and knocked unconscious with an iron rod. The men then dragged the victim to the rear of the bus, and raped her. Medical reports later said that the woman suffered serious injuries to her abdomen, intestines and genitals due to the assault. The victim later died while undergoing medical treatment in Singapore. This study is based on the role of new I media that provided a platform to organize an unprecedented mass-movement against this Heinous crime. Public protests took place in New Delhi on 21 December 2012 at India Gate and in front of Parliament and President House of India. Thousands of protesters faced the wrath of police and braved the /athi charge, water cannon and tear gas. Similar protests occurred throughout the country. Almost entire protests were organized by using the new media tools like mobile phones, social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and SMS. Tens of thousands signed an online petition protesting the incident. This paper will systematically analyze: > Effectiveness of new media in mobilizing people towards mass movements in the wake of Delhi Gang Rape, especially the youth. > The qualitative aspect of communication that is being disseminated through new media. > The changing role of a leader in mass movements. Methodology Present study is an exploratory in nature. As the main idea is the discovery of facts and insights therefore its research design is flexible, to permit the incorporation of different aspects of the phenomenon or event. The study was divided into following different stages: "Research Scholar, Dept. of Mass Communication, Mewar University, Chittorgarh 101 
