Indian police have launched a major crackdown on the “Cockroach” protest movement in New Delhi, with its leaders and hundreds of supporters reportedly detained as authorities moved to prevent a planned demonstration, according to the BBC.
The BBC reported that tens of thousands of security personnel had been deployed across Delhi on Saturday, with roads barricaded and access to the planned protest site at Jantar Mantar heavily restricted.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its founder Abhijeet Dipke and two other leaders were detained after arriving in Delhi from Mumbai. Delhi Police had not confirmed details of their detention at the time of the BBC report.
The movement, which began in May following controversy over remarks by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant referring to unemployed young people as “cockroaches,” has since grown into a broader youth-led protest movement focusing on unemployment, examination paper leaks and government accountability.
The latest demonstration is demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in electoral rolls. The Election Commission has denied allegations of favouritism or wrongdoing.
The BBC’s correspondent at Jantar Mantar reported heavy security, including metal barricades, drones and police forming human chains to restrict access to the area.
Several journalists covering the demonstrations were also reportedly detained, although three journalists from Indian news outlet Newslaundry were later released.
The latest confrontation follows a major CJP protest in July that saw clashes with police and was followed by the resignation of India’s education minister. (Newswire)