Those frustrations are at the heart of the rise of the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP, founded by Dipke.

Although the Chief Justice later withdrew the comment, Dipke accepted the label, making the cockroach the symbol of the movement.

Monday’s turnout reflected how quickly the movement has grown since its first protest in June, when it was little more than a fledgling online campaign. It has since spread to cities across India, gaining support from students, professionals, activists and opposition politicians.

However, by nightfall the atmosphere had changed.

Police in riot gear entered Jantar Mantar and announced over loudspeakers that the protesters no longer had permission to remain. Officers then began pushing people back, causing some protesters to flee while others linked arms and refused to leave.

There was also brief confusion over Dipke’s whereabouts after the CJP initially said he had been detained. The group later clarified that the police had tried to arrest him but the protesters had prevented it. The Delhi Police later denied the claims and called them “completely false”.