Indian security forces launched a massive crackdown in New Delhi on Saturday, detaining thousands of demonstrators who had planned to march against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. The operations targeted the “Cockroach” movement, a youth-led campaign that has mobilized widespread anger over a controversial voter list revision orchestrated by the Election Commission.
Police intercepted protesters before they could reach Jantar Mantar, the designated demonstration site in the capital, chasing away some and arresting many others. Several individuals were forcibly moved to police vehicles and transported to temporary detention centers. Key leaders of the movement, including Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka, were apprehended upon arriving at Delhi airport from Mumbai. Video footage released by the group showed officers boarding the aircraft to detain the trio.
The “Cockroach Janta Party” condemned the actions in a statement, accusing the Delhi Police of a pre-planned effort to dismantle the leadership of the peaceful demonstrations before they commenced.
Beyond the immediate protest area, security measures were severe. Authorities established checkpoints on all routes into the capital, searching buses, cars, and other vehicles. Anti-riot vehicles equipped with tear gas launchers were positioned along key roads, and the protest venue itself was barricaded. Restrictions on mobile internet access and parts of the city were also enforced. Police stated that permission for the rally had been denied because the application was submitted late.
Tensions are particularly high given recent history; similar protests by the Cockroach movement earlier this year over leaked exam papers led to the resignation of Modi’s education minister in July. The current demonstrations have drawn opposition support and intensified scrutiny of the government regarding the fairness of upcoming elections.
Opposition figures criticized the heavy-handed response. John Brittas, an opposition lawmaker, told The Associated Press that the city was under a total siege and that citizens were being driven out. Meanwhile, Tanya Negi, a college student who traveled from Mumbai with two friends, expressed frustration at the suppression of democratic rights.
“We are a democracy, yet peaceful protests are being crushed by force. Shouldn’t we fight for our rights,” Negi said. “Why is Modi afraid of India’s young people?”
The core grievance of the protesters remains the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision. The opposition argues that the process has disenfranchised millions of eligible voters and is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
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