The youth-led “cockroach” movement in India, which recently played a significant role in the resignation of the education minister, is now calling on authorities to release all demonstrators held in detention. The online-based Cockroach Janta party (CJP) reported that numerous students remain in custody across the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.
According to CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, the government has backtracked on earlier assurances that no punitive action would be taken against those participating in the protests. “If the government does not honour the agreement and release everyone detained or arrested, we will be compelled to resume the protest,” Ranka stated on Monday. The movement, launched in May by 30-year-old public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke, has gained millions of social media followers through its advocacy for exam reforms and protests against systemic irregularities.
The CJP estimates that at least 100 people have been arrested nationwide, with many facing stringent, non-bailable charges. To support those affected, the group has established a legal fund to cover expenses for protesters facing criminal cases. Another spokesperson, Saurav Das, confirmed the organization’s ongoing efforts to assist these individuals.
The protests follow the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who stepped down two days ago amid widespread anger over repeated failures in competitive examination conduct. While the central government has yet to issue a formal statement, Bihar police indicated on Monday evening that they would not initiate “adverse legal action” against protesters and announced the immediate release of those detained in the state.
Tensions remain high following violent demonstrations in New Delhi on 20 July, where police utilized teargas and batons against crowds marching toward parliament. In a separate incident in Bihar’s Siwan district, a police official was suspended for using an assault rifle to disperse student protesters. The chief justice of India has called for an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality, noting that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed under the Indian constitution.
In parliament, the situation sparked significant disruption as opposition lawmakers, including Congress party chief Mallikarjun Kharge, condemned the government’s response. Despite these protests, the government has moved forward with legislation aimed at introducing tougher penalties for examination paper leaks.
The “right to peaceful, lawful protest is absolutely guaranteed” under the Indian constitution, local media reports quoted Surya Kant as saying.
“Never before have students been beaten, dragged and treated like criminals for raising their voices.”
