'Cockroach' group leaders among hundreds detained in Delhi protest
Hundreds of protesters from the Gen-Z led Cockroach Janta Party were detained in Delhi during a demonstration against alleged electoral roll manipulation. The group is demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner, accusing the commission of favoring the ruling BJP party.
Why it matters
The protest highlights growing youth-led political activism in India and tensions surrounding the integrity of electoral processes ahead of state elections.
Image source, Reuters Image caption, Delhi Police has not commented on the detentions
Hundreds of protesters have reportedly been detained in Delhi during the latest demonstration by the Gen-Z led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over electoral reforms.
The group said its founder Abhijeet Dipke, who began the movement in May after India's Chief Justice likened some jobless young people to "cockroaches", was detained with other leaders shortly after landing in Delhi.
Tens of thousands of security personnel were deployed and roads barricaded ahead of the demonstration, though the CJP insisted it would go ahead.
Delhi Police has not commented on the detentions, but had refused permission for the protest to take place at Jantar Mantar, a landmark in the Indian capital.
The group - who are not registered as a political party in India - are seeking electoral reforms just months before crucial state elections.
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