Police detain Indian opposition leader Gandhi as protests continue to grow

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing its staff and The Associated Press, reported that Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi was detained by police on Tuesday evening during a sit-in outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in New Delhi. The protest was held in response to the government’s handling of the youth-led “Cockroach” demonstrations, which have been calling for education reforms and greater official accountability. Gandhi demanded the resignation of Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the crackdown, according to Al Jazeera’s reporter at the scene.

The report said Gandhi and other opposition figures were taken to a nearby police station after security personnel moved in. Congress party member Pawan Khera said on social media that Gandhi had been forcibly removed, and that Priyanka Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi’s sister and fellow Congress member, was also among those detained. Indian media footage cited by Al Jazeera appeared to show protesters trying to protect Gandhi as police seized him, while a later social media post alleged he showed signs of injury.

The detentions came as the Cockroach movement entered a second day of large gatherings in New Delhi. Al Jazeera reported that thousands assembled at Jantar Mantar under heavy police presence, saying they would continue until the education minister stepped down over alleged failures in the examination system. The movement began as a satirical response to a Supreme Court judge’s reported description of young people as “cockroaches” and has since drawn students, professionals and families.

The unrest intensified after police used tear gas and batons on protesters marching toward parliament on Monday. Delhi police said nearly 180 people were injured, including 118 security personnel and 60 protesters, according to the report.