New Delhi authorities detained Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the "Cockroach" movement, along with several student leaders and supporters on October 16, amid ongoing protests in the city’s central district. The demonstrations, led by youth activists and opposition groups, have occurred nearly daily throughout the month, expressing demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protests stem from a recent revision of voter lists, which opposition groups and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) claim disproportionately removed over 130 million voters, allegedly benefiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in upcoming elections. The Election Commission has rejected these allegations, stating that any voters mistakenly removed from the lists can re-register.

Dipke called for the October 16 rally to support two other CJP leaders who were detained earlier in the week and subsequently jailed for five days. These individuals had participated in unauthorized protests despite a ban on gatherings at the site. Dipke was taken into custody shortly after leaving a residence in central Delhi, following an altercation with police officers.

Neha Bora, a prominent student activist associated with the movement, was also arrested while attempting to lead a group of supporters toward Connaught Place in New Delhi. According to senior police officer Sachin Sharma, both Dipke and Bora have been placed under preventive detention as part of efforts to prevent further unrest.

The ongoing protests reflect mounting concerns among opposition groups regarding electoral transparency and the integrity of voter registration processes in India ahead of critical elections. Authorities maintain that the measures taken are lawful and aimed at maintaining public order amid heightened political tensions.