A youth-led protest movement in India known as the "Cockroach" movement has vowed to continue demonstrating after a police crackdown in Delhi left dozens injured. The movement, founded by Abhijeet Dipke through the Cockroach Janta Party, began as a satirical response to government rhetoric but has grown into a broader challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration, drawing students, young professionals and families frustrated over exam irregularities, unemployment and a perceived lack of accountability.

On 20 July 2026, police used tear gas and batons to disperse thousands of protesters attempting to march towards Parliament, with Delhi Police reporting around 180 people injured, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters. Footage showed officers striking young demonstrators as they pleaded to be let go. Despite this, hundreds remained camped at the Jantar Mantar protest site the following day, with Dipke declaring the movement would press on. Protesters are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reform of the examination system, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide amid alleged exam irregularities. The movement has drawn wider support, including a three-week hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk and a sit-in by opposition leader Rahul Gandhi outside Modi's residence, while Amnesty International has criticised the police response as suppressing peaceful dissent.