Thousands of individuals were reportedly detained across New Delhi on Saturday as the Indian authorities mounted a sweeping security operation to suppress a youth-led protest movement. The demonstrators, belonging to the so-called "cockroach" movement, were demanding the resignation of the country's chief election official.

Police forces allegedly fanned out extensively across the capital to block access to Jantar Mantar, the designated demonstration site. Authorities set up numerous checkpoints, erected heavy barricades, and deployed anti-riot vehicles equipped with tear gas launchers along critical transit routes to deter any gathering.

Many participants were reportedly intercepted long before reaching central New Delhi, with police chasing them away or forcibly dragging individuals into detention vehicles to be sent to temporary facilities. Several movement leaders, opposition lawmakers, and student activists were also taken into custody en route, effectively neutralizing the rally before it could officially begin.

The authorities claimed that permission for the gathering was allegedly denied due to late submission, insisting that the harsh security measures were necessary to maintain public order. Meanwhile, Sambit Patra, a spokesperson for the ruling party, dismissively characterized the protesters as "anarchic elements" staging a "flop show."

Source: www.aljazeera.com