12.10.2026 10:13
Leaders of a youth movement that organized protests against India's election system and calls itself "Cockroaches" were released after being detained. While it is claimed that thousands of people were detained in the capital New Delhi, the removal of more than 133 million people from voter lists increased reactions. The movement targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government announced that it will continue protests despite pressure.
Leaders of a youth movement that called for protests against the electoral system in India's capital, New Delhi, and called themselves "Cockroaches" were detained. Ahead of a major demonstration planned for Saturday, thousands of people were reportedly detained, while the movement's founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and two others accompanying him were released a day later.
THEY WERE DETAINED BEFORE GETTING OFF THE PLANE
The founder of the movement called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Abhijeet Dipke, and two executives were detained by security forces before they had even gotten off the plane on which they arrived in New Delhi from Mumbai.
The movement's chief legal adviser, Ratna Singh, announced that the three individuals were released on Sunday by court order. As a condition of their release, they were required not to engage in any action that would disrupt public order for one year.
It was announced that social media influencer and activist Dhruv Rathee, who was detained from his home, was also released.
EXTRAORDINARY SECURITY MEASURES IN THE CAPITAL
Extensive security measures were taken in the Jantar Mantar area, designated as the center of the protests. Thousands of police officers and security personnel were deployed to prevent demonstrators from reaching the area.
According to CJP's statement and reports in the Indian press, thousands of people were detained ahead of the demonstration planned for Saturday. Some metro stations were closed, and train services also experienced disruptions. Although the stations reopened on Sunday, heavy security measures continued at entrances and exits. Police did not make a statement regarding the number of detentions.
MORE THAN 133 MILLION NAMES REMOVED FROM VOTER LISTS
The basis of the protests is the Indian Election Commission's nationwide effort to update voter lists.
According to information in the press, more than 133 million names were removed from voter lists under the measure.
Election officials argue that the measure aimed to remove duplicate registrations, deceased individuals, and improperly registered voters from the lists.
Opposition parties and various civil society representatives, however, claim that the measure disproportionately affects minorities, especially Muslims.
Critics claim that the changes to voter lists could provide a political advantage to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The Indian Election Commission denies the allegations of irregularities.
HOW DID THE COCKROACHES MOVEMENT EMERGE?
CJP was founded by Abhijeet Dipke in May as a satirical movement on social media.
The emergence of the movement was influenced by debates over young people in India who criticize the government being described as "cockroaches" and "parasites."
Young people who embraced these terms organized under the name "Cockroaches" and reached millions of followers on social media.
Protests held in July against alleged irregularities in exams resulted in the resignation of the Education Minister.
HE ATTACKED MODI WITH HARSH WORDS
After his release, Dipke made a statement on his social media account and criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in harsh terms.
Dipke argued that Modi's premiership is a disgrace for India and reacted to the government's treatment of protesters.
The detentions also drew a reaction from the opposition. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi stated that the demonstrations would continue despite the security measures.
Gandhi said that as the government's pressure increases, anger among Gen Z and students will grow even further.
CALL FOR RELEASE FROM THE UNITED NATIONS
The United Nations Human Rights Office also issued a statement regarding the detentions in New Delhi and called for the immediate and unconditional release of those arbitrarily detained.
CJP's leadership and opposition parties announced that they would continue protests until their demands regarding the election commission are met.
The movement's main demands include the resignation of Indian Election Commission Chief Gyanesh Kumar.
While no large crowd of demonstrators was seen around Jantar Mantar on Sunday, the opposition called for returning to the streets on Monday