India’s youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has called on authorities to release all protesters detained during recent nationwide demonstrations over exam paper leaks and other irregularities. The movement, which played a key role in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan earlier this week, said it had received reports of students being held in detention, especially in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.

The CJP accused the government of reneging on assurances that no punitive action would be taken against those involved in the protests. “If the government does not honour the agreement and release everyone detained or arrested, we will be compelled to resume the protest,” said Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson for the group.

At least 100 people have been arrested across the country, many under strict non-bailable charges, according to the CJP. In response, the movement has established a legal fund to support those facing criminal cases, as explained by another spokesperson, Saurav Das. Founded in May by 30-year-old public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke, the movement has rapidly gained millions of followers on social media.

The protests escalated last week, with tens of thousands, mainly students, rallying in New Delhi and other cities to demand comprehensive reforms of the examination system alongside Pradhan’s resignation. Demonstrations in the capital turned violent on July 20 when large crowds attempted to march from the Jantar Mantar protest site toward parliament. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the demonstrators, leading to clashes and numerous detentions.

Although the Indian government has not issued an official statement on the detentions, Bihar police announced late Tuesday that no adverse legal action would be taken against protesters in that state and ordered the immediate release of those detained in connection with the demonstrations.

Following allegations of police brutality during the protests, the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, has called for an independent investigation. In a widely reported statement, Kant reaffirmed that the Indian constitution guarantees the “right to peaceful, lawful protest.”

The situation remains tense as activists demand fulfillment of government promises to free detained protesters, while authorities continue to address the complex challenges stemming from the nationwide unrest.