Indian authorities released youth activist Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday, a day after detaining him during protests in New Delhi. The founder of the Cockroach Janta Party had planned a rally demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. The demonstrations focus on alleged irregularities in India’s voter registration process.
A special executive magistrate ordered Dipke’s release, according to the report. Ratna Singh, the party’s head of legal affairs, said Dipke accepted certain conditions before leaving custody. However, she did not reveal the terms. Authorities also released student activist Neha Bora on Saturday.
Read more: Indian police detain ‘cockroach‘ movement founder ahead of protest
Dipke gained national attention earlier this year when a prolonged sit-in contributed to India’s education minister resigning. His group has since joined opposition parties and student organisations in protests against voter list changes. Demonstrators claim the revision could benefit Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. The Election Commission has rejected allegations of political bias.
More than 130 million voters were removed during the voter list revision, according to the report. The Election Commission said people removed incorrectly could register again. Meanwhile, the BJP accused opposition groups of undermining democracy by questioning legitimate electoral procedures. The dispute has intensified political tensions surrounding the election process.
Police detained Dipke on Friday as he left a house in central Delhi. Officers placed him in a police vehicle after a brief argument. He had called the rally to support two party leaders jailed for five days after protesting against restrictions at a protest site. Police had warned Dipke against proceeding with the demonstration.
Read more: India’s Cockroach Janta Party demands release of detained
Bora was detained on Friday while travelling towards central Delhi with dozens of supporters. After her release, she urged authorities to remove Kumar and suspend the special intensive revision process. She said the changes threatened ordinary citizens’ voting rights. Student groups also called for further protest action on Saturday.
The youth-led movement has attracted support from opposition parties and student organisations across India. Its campaign has become a significant challenge for Modi’s government, which has held power for 12 years. Protesters continue to demand changes to the voter revision process and Kumar’s resignation. The Election Commission maintains that wrongly removed voters can re-enrol.