Protests erupted in several parts of India on Wednesday after the authorities had the body of a gang rape victim cremated at a ceremony her family said took place without their permission.

The 19-year-old victim from the Dalit community - the lowest rung of India’s ancient caste system - was attacked and raped on Sept 14 in a field near her home in Hathras district, 100km from the capital, New Delhi, authorities said.