Thousands of protesters continued to occupy the streets of New Delhi on Thursday, defying authorities’ efforts to restrict a growing movement challenging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. The demonstrations centered at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site in the city, represent a sustained response to allegations of leaked exam papers for highly competitive medical college admissions and government job recruitment.

The protests, which began over a month ago, initially focused on exam integrity but have since expanded to include a wider cross-section of participants, including professionals and families, reflecting broader dissatisfaction with the government. On Thursday, demonstrators returned to Jantar Mantar despite police efforts to restrict access, including the suspension of Delhi Metro services at 16 stations in central New Delhi.

Earlier in the week, tensions escalated as police confronted large crowds. On Monday, thousands marched toward Parliament in defiance of restrictions, prompting law enforcement officers to deploy tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters. Similar clashes occurred overnight before Thursday’s demonstrations, marking the second major police intervention in just days.

Authorities have sought to prevent the gatherings by imposing roadblocks and limiting public transport options, but the protesters have persisted. The movement, dubbed the “Cockroach” protests, has evolved into one of the most significant displays of opposition to Modi’s administration in recent months, highlighting concerns over transparency and governance in addition to the initial exam cheating allegations.