New Delhi tightens security ahead of Cockroach Janta Party rally
Thousands of additional police officers were deployed across New Delhi on Friday ahead of a rally called by the Cockroach Janta Party. The party, described as a nationwide youth protest movement, had called on supporters to gather in the capital's Central Park at 5 p.m. local time (11:30 GMT). Al Jazeera
Authorities closed Central Park ahead of the gathering, citing "administrative reasons." Metal barricades were set up at key intersections across the city. Al Jazeera
The planned rally follows almost daily demonstrations in October demanding electoral reforms and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Kumar oversaw the removal of more than 130 million names from India's electoral roll, the official list of eligible voters. Election authorities said the changes were made to remove duplicate, deceased and fraudulent entries. Al Jazeera
Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said police may try to arrest him before the protest. He said he and his supporters are "not afraid" and "ready" to go to jail. Two party leaders were jailed for five days for allegedly trespassing at a protest site. Al Jazeera
Reuters identified the jailed leaders as Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who it said had entered a historic protest site in violation of a ban. The party said around 20 people were detained as leaders arrived in New Delhi to lead a mass protest. Reuters
The Cockroach Janta Party was founded in May amid anger over leaking of exam papers and poor prospects for India's youth. Its movement forced the resignation of India's education minister. Al Jazeera
New Delhi police arrested party leaders on October 13 after they climbed over gates. Members had also been detained when their plane landed in Delhi ahead of earlier protests. Reuters
