India cracks down on youth protests as anger grows against Modi and election chief

NEW DELHI — Indian authorities launched a comprehensive security crackdown on Saturday, arresting a large number of protesters as the youth "Cockroach" movement intensified its nationwide campaign against a controversial voter list revision. The move has sparked widespread discontent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu nationalist government and election authorities.

Authorities intercepted demonstrators attempting to reach Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in the heart of India's capital, detaining many and dispersing others. Some were forcibly removed and placed into police vehicles for temporary detention centers. Several leaders of the "Cockroach" movement were apprehended before the protest even began, significantly dampening the movement's momentum.

Beyond the protest site, police stopped various modes of transport at checkpoints leading to the capital, searching for any potential demonstrators. Jantar Mantar was cordoned off, while anti-riot units equipped with tear gas launchers were positioned along critical routes. Mobile communication restrictions were imposed, further limiting the protesters' ability to coordinate and communicate.