India detains thousands, locks down Delhi to foil election chief protest

· Politics · India

Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed across Delhi as authorities detained thousands and locked down the capital to foil a protest demanding the resignation of India's election chief. The protest, led by the youth-led 'Cockroach' movement, focuses on alleged voter list irregularities, with more than 130 million names struck off since 2025. Metro services were shut, mobile internet suspended and markets closed, reflecting the scale of the government's response to the movement.

Why it matters：The lockdown and detentions test India's handling of youth-led dissent ahead of crucial state elections.

Key points

  • Thousands of police and paramilitary personnel were deployed.
  • More than 130 million names were struck off voter rolls since 2025.
  • Metro services were shut and mobile internet suspended.

Sources (original reporting)

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