India detains leader of ‘cockroach’ movement

New Delhi: Indian police arrested Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leader Abhijeet Dipke on Friday in anticipation of further protests calling for the dismissal of the country's election chief, according to a social media announcement from the youth-led movement. At the age of 31, Dipke was apprehended shortly before a demonstration organized by the online group at Central Park, a bustling commercial area in the heart of New Delhi.

Expressing his detainment on social media, Dipke remarked, "Abhijeet is detained by Delhi Police!!! This government is so scared of the youth waving national flag!!!" The CJP, along with opposition parties, has been advocating for the resignation of India's chief election commissioner due to a massive voter roll revision they allege favors Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party.

The Election Commission of India, responsible for conducting elections in India's most populous nation, has refuted any wrongdoing. Dipke had previously urged supporters to carry national flags and assemble at Central Park following the detention of two of his colleagues for breaching security barriers at Jantar Mantar, a protest site declared off-limits by police last week.

Over 133 million names were removed from electoral lists during the recent exercise, according to figures reported by Indian media and cited by opposition parties in court documents. Critics argue that the removals have disproportionately impacted minorities, particularly Muslims. Election authorities maintain that the move aimed to eliminate duplicate, deceased, and fraudulent entries.