Opposition, journalists allege police abuses during India protests

Opposition figures and reporters have accused Indian police of using aggressive methods during weekend protests, as authorities imposed a lockdown in New Delhi on Monday in anticipation of another rally targeting the election chief. Authorities mobilized thousands of troops across central Delhi for the third consecutive day, erecting heavy metal barriers and shutting down major metro stations prior to a march led by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi.

The demonstrations were sparked by accusations of misconduct during a nationwide voter list update that critics claim could favor Prime Minister Narendra Modi's governing Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While the Election Commission of India maintains its innocence, focus has turned to the police response following a tumultuous weekend marked by the arrest of numerous protesters, including three key leaders of the youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), according to local media accounts.

Most of those detained, including the CJP leaders, have since been freed. Opposition members have alleged that authorities are attempting to stifle dissent through mass arrests. Communist Party of India (Marxist) parliamentarian John Brittas claimed he was physically manhandled, dragged, and assaulted by police during the protests on Sunday, stating this is not merely an assault on an MP, but an assault on democratic freedoms and the rule of law.

Police declined to provide comments on detentions or their actions during a press briefing on Sunday. Multiple journalists covering the protests stated they were detained even though they were visibly wearing their press credentials. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reported that at least 16 journalists were arrested during the weekend protests, labeling the actions "unacceptable."

New Delhi prepared for another conflict on Monday, with Gandhi, head of the Congress party, encouraging supporters to participate in a march to the Supreme Court. He declared on social media on Sunday, "There is nothing to fear. These cowards can do absolutely nothing to us." Hundreds of yellow metal barriers lined roads leading to central Delhi, while six major metro stations remained closed.

Leaders of the CJP, which boasts millions of social media followers, vowed to persist in their protests until Election Commission Chief Gyanesh Kumar resigns. The protests have emerged as one of the most significant political challenges of Modi's third term, uniting opposition parties, student groups, and activists dissatisfied with the voter list revision.

The revision resulted in the removal of over 133 million names from electoral rolls, according to media reports. Critics contend that the measure has disproportionately impacted minorities, particularly Muslims. Election officials assert the move was aimed at eliminating duplicate, deceased, and fraudulent entries.