More than 800 detained at protests over electoral roll revision

More than 800 people were detained across several Indian states on Saturday during protests calling for Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign.

The protests were against alleged irregularities in a revision of electoral rolls, which are lists of eligible voters.

In Mumbai, police detained around 600 people, including activist Tushar Gandhi, actor Imran Khan and political leaders.

Police also detained protesters in Bengaluru and Chennai, while demonstrations were held in Goa.

Organisers and protesters said they were defending people’s right to vote and protest, while police said restrictions applied to where demonstrations could take place.

The detentions followed protests over concerns that names had been removed from voter lists.

The protests are expected to continue, although the report gives no details about what happens next.