Indian Police Detain Protesters as Youth-Led Rally Demands Electoral Reforms

Indian police detained scores of protesters and their leaders in New Delhi today as thousands of security personnel were deployed and roads barricaded to prevent a youth-led demonstration demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Authorities imposed restrictions on travel and telecommunications as part of security measures to prevent the demonstration.

The protest has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party movement, which has criticised a revision of voter lists that opponents say could favour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party.

The movement’s leader, Abhijeet Dipke, was among hundreds reportedly detained since Friday evening, according to the group.

The protest also reflects wider youth concerns over unemployment, examination paper leaks and government accountability.

A previous major protest by the group in July ended in clashes with police and was followed by the resignation of India’s education minister.