India’s youth-led “Cockroach” protest movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, calls for the release of protesters detained during weeks of rallies across the country. Multiple outlets report that activists are pressing authorities to free students and other demonstrators held following actions tied to allegations of exam paper leaks. Activists say the group had been told by authorities that no punitive measures would be taken, but they accuse the government of backtracking after arrests occurred.
The Express Tribune and other reports say the call follows information about detentions in several states, including Assam, West Bengal and Bihar. In addition, the issue is reported to have been raised in India’s parliament, where opposition lawmakers disrupt proceedings to demand answers about the police crackdown and the status of those detained. The movement’s protests have also been linked in coverage to political consequences, including the resignation of the education minister, according to IOL. Overall, sources describe an escalating standoff between protesters and the authorities, with the group warning of further action if detainees are not released.
