Pizza, burgers and thousands of meals: How India is feeding the 'Cockroach' protest

New Delhi: Food delivery riders have become a familiar sight outside the protest site at Jantar Mantar as supporters from across India send meals to demonstrators taking part in the ongoing 'Cockroach' movement.

Every few minutes, delivery personnel arrive with bags of burgers, pizzas, snacks and bottled water, which are collected by volunteers and distributed among protesters. The steady stream of food has become a visible symbol of nationwide support for the youth-led movement, even from people unable to attend the demonstrations in person.

Many of those placing the orders have never visited the protest site or met the demonstrators. Instead, they simply instruct delivery riders to hand the food to any protester they find.

"There are a lot of people that I can understand might not be able to come here, but they are sending their love," said 24-year-old protester Shakti Vashisth. "Every meal is a reminder that this movement is much bigger than those gathered here."

The 'Cockroach' movement began over repeated leaks of high-stakes entrance examinations for medical colleges and government jobs, which protesters say pushed some aspirants to take their own lives. It has since evolved into a broader campaign demanding greater government accountability.

Despite a police crackdown earlier this week, during which officers used tear gas and batons to stop protesters marching towards Parliament, demonstrators have continued their sit-in at Jantar Mantar. The protest has also expanded beyond students, attracting young professionals, parents and other supporters.

As the crowds have grown, so has the volume of donated food. Volunteers are now distributing everything from home-cooked meals to pizzas, burgers and bottled water.

According to organisers, the response has been so overwhelming that they have urged supporters to temporarily stop placing food orders because donations are beginning to exceed the number of protesters at the site.

"The amount of food coming in is overwhelming. It's difficult to even keep count," volunteer Bhoomi Kapoor said.

Delivery rider Neg Singh said he had already made 19 trips to the protest site. On one occasion, he transported part of an order of 70 pizzas, which required three delivery riders to carry.

"We also feel deeply connected to this protest. We support it wholeheartedly," Singh said.