New Delhi police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of youth-led "Cockroach" movement protesters marching toward Parliament in June 2024 [1].
The crackdown highlights growing tension between India's Gen Z population and the government over educational integrity and systemic accountability. The movement has gained momentum as students seek to challenge the administration's handling of professional certifications.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of the education minister following an alleged leak of medical-school entrance examinations [2]. While some participants focused on the exam scandal, others called for broader educational reforms [3].
An estimated 3,000 to 5,000 protesters were present during the sit-in [1]. The confrontation resulted in around 60 injuries [4]. A spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party said the police used excessive force against peaceful protesters, firing tear gas and beating people with batons [1].
In a separate but related push for reform, activist Sonam Wangchuk conducted a hunger strike that lasted 26 days [1]. This effort mirrored the broader grievances of the youth movement regarding government transparency.
"We will not back down until the education minister steps down and the exam-leak scandal is investigated," a student protester said [3].
Responding to the accusations of brutality, a Delhi Police spokesperson said their duty is to maintain law and order, but they regret any injuries caused during the operation [4].
“"The police used excessive force against peaceful protesters, firing tear-gas and beating people with batons."”
The emergence of the 'Cockroach' movement signifies a shift in Indian youth activism, moving from localized student protests to a coordinated political identity. By targeting the education minister over exam leaks, the movement is leveraging a specific failure in governance to demand wider systemic transparency. The use of force by New Delhi police suggests a low threshold for civil unrest near government installations, potentially further alienating a demographic that is increasingly critical of state institutions.
