The Cockroach Janta Party has called for the immediate release of protesters reportedly detained during weeks of nationwide demonstrations, saying authorities must honor earlier assurances that participants would not face punitive action. The youth-led movement warned that continued detentions could further erode public trust.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said it had received reports that students were being held in detention, particularly in the states of Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar. The group urged authorities to free all detainees and withdraw criminal cases filed against protesters.
The movement said any failure to release those in custody or drop legal proceedings would amount to a breach of public trust. It added that it would consider taking further steps if its demands were not met by the government.
The latest statement comes days after Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following widespread criticism over repeated examination paper leaks and alleged irregularities in competitive exams. The controversy has fueled public frustration among millions of students across the country.
🚨STATEMENT
We are deeply concerned by multiple reports reaching us of students and other protestors being targeted, detained, or arrested by various state agencies, particularly in Assam, West Bengal, and Bihar.
The Cockroach Janta Party had called off its nationwide protest…
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) July 27, 2026
Founded in May by public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke, the Cockroach Janta Party first gained attention as a satirical online campaign. It later evolved into a nationwide protest movement focusing on examination reforms, youth employment, and governance issues.
Large demonstrations were held in New Delhi and several other cities last week, with thousands of students demanding accountability and reforms to India’s examination system. Police used tear gas and batons after protests near Parliament turned violent, leading to clashes and multiple detentions.
The issue continued to dominate political debate on Monday as opposition lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings while demanding answers over the police response to the demonstrations. Meanwhile, the government introduced legislation in the lower house proposing stricter penalties for examination paper leaks as concerns over the integrity of India’s testing system persist.
