Delhi police crack down on unauthorized Cockroach protest demanding election chief's resignation

Delhi police cleared protesters from a designated protest site on October 10, 2026, as the Cockroach Janta Party mobilized supporters demanding the resignation of India's election chief.[1][2] The demonstration proceeded without police authorization despite heavy security presence.[3][4]

Protesters described a fluid tactical engagement with authorities. "We were running back and forth," one demonstrator told DW. "When the police are moving forward, we go back. When they are withdrawing, we are moving forward." Another protester, Jasmine, said the police response was disproportionate, pointing to roughly 100 police personnel deployed against approximately 20 protesters and 10 media workers.[5]

After detaining main party leaders, newly appointed protest leader Ajinkya Shinde urged supporters to continue marching toward Jantar Mantar.[6][7] "If Delhi Police tries to stop you, wherever they stop you will become your Jantar Mantar," he said.

The crackdown raised press freedom concerns. Indian media outlets Scroll and Newslaundry reported that their journalists were detained while covering the protest.[8][9] Police seized reporters' phones, and accounts documented physical assaults on journalists.[10][11] The Committee to Protect Journalists called on Delhi Police to release detained media workers, return equipment, and investigate abuse allegations.[12][13][14] India ranked 157th out of 180 countries in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index, down six places from 2025.[15][16]