Delhi Cracks Down on ‘Cockroach’ Protest

Indian authorities have deployed tens of thousands of security personnel and barricaded roads in Delhi to prevent a major demonstration by the Cockroach Janta Party, whose members say their leaders have been detained.

Hundreds reportedly detained

The group claims its leader, Abhijeet Dipke, is among hundreds of people reportedly detained since Friday evening ahead of the planned protest. Authorities have tightened security across the Indian capital as tensions rise over the demonstration.

How the movement began

Dipke launched the movement in May, initially almost as a joke, following a remark by India’s Chief Justice, Surya Kant, who compared unemployed young people to “cockroaches”. The movement subsequently gained momentum by tapping into public frustration over unemployment, examination paper leaks and concerns about government accountability.

Protesters demand electoral reforms

The latest demonstration is calling for electoral reforms and the resignation of India’s election chief. Dipke has previously said he is prepared to go to jail over the movement. BBC correspondent Geeta Pandey, reporting from the scene, described Delhi as feeling as though it was under siege, reflecting the scale of the security operation.

Previous protest sparked political fallout

The movement’s previous major demonstration in July reportedly ended in violent clashes with police and contributed to pressure that forced India’s education minister to resign. The latest crackdown highlights the growing tensions surrounding the group’s protests and its demands for political and electoral accountability.