Indian police detained the leader of the satirical “cockroach” online movement on Saturday, just before a planned major protest. The protest is directed against the Election Commission, leading to increased security measures in India. Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Party, anticipated the detention and named an interim leader in a prerecorded video to ensure continuity. France 24’s Andrew Hilliar suggests authorities expected the protest and acted accordingly. The movement utilizes satire to voice dissent and challenge the existing political landscape in India. The detention underscores rising tensions ahead of the demonstration and highlights the authorities’ response to online activism. The Cockroach Party will continue its protest with the new interim leader at the helm.