Police attack Cockroach activists as thousands march on Indian parliament

A major protest demonstration unfolded in New Delhi as over 10,000 activists marched toward parliament on Monday, marking the largest challenge yet to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The youth-led Cockroach movement, which ironically names itself after the ruling party to mock the government, called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and systemic reforms addressing corruption in examinations.

The protest swelled beyond initial expectations, partly fueled by public anger over the weekend hospitalization of veteran activist Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old who had been on hunger strike for three weeks in solidarity with the movement. Thousands gathered overnight at Jantar Mantar, a historic park in central New Delhi that has become the focal point for demonstrations. As the march began on the first day of parliament's monsoon session, police deployed riot forces and attempted dispersal using tear gas and canes.

The government had offered limited engagement, inviting two activists to meet a senior cabinet minister earlier in the day. However, movement spokesperson Saurav Das stated that demands remained clear and that youth participation was substantial. Police later detained movement founder Abhijeet Dipke. Despite authorities sealing metro station exits near the protest site, demonstrators found alternative routes, continuing their march while chanting slogans. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma cited overcrowding concerns, noting that over 10,000 protesters occupied the Jantar Mantar and surrounding areas.