India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has threatened to resume nationwide protests, accusing the government of breaking its promise not to take action against student demonstrators following last week’s agreement that ended the movement’s initial protests.
The CJP claims hundreds of students have been detained or harassed by police, with cases registered in Delhi, Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. According to the group, at least 100 people have been arrested, many under non-bailable charges.
The protests, which were sparked by allegations of widespread examination paper leaks and recruitment irregularities, led to the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP says it agreed to suspend demonstrations after receiving assurances from senior government leaders that no punitive action would be taken against protesters.
“If the government does not honour the agreement and release everyone detained or arrested, we will be compelled to resume the protest,” CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said.
Student leader Neha Bora travelled to Bihar to demand the withdrawal of cases against protesters, while the CJP has established a legal fund to assist those facing criminal charges.
The movement, launched in May by public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke, has attracted millions of followers online and organized large student demonstrations across India calling for examination reforms and greater accountability.
The protests intensified in New Delhi after clashes erupted when demonstrators attempted to march toward Parliament. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the crowds, prompting allegations of excessive force and widespread arrests.
The controversy has reached both the Supreme Court of India, where the Chief Justice has called for an independent investigation into allegations of police brutality, and Parliament, where opposition parties have demanded answers from the government.
Meanwhile, the government has announced an expert panel to reform India’s examination system and has introduced legislation in Parliament to strengthen penalties for examination paper leaks.
