India blocks mobile internet in Delhi amid protests over exam leak row

Indian authorities have ordered telecom operators to suspend mobile data services in parts of central Delhi near the site of youth protests demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, two sources told Reuters.

Telecom companies complied with the order, the sources said. The government and the Department of Telecommunications did not immediately comment.

Major operators, including Reliance Jio, Bharti Airtel and Vodafone Idea, did not respond to requests for comment.

Reuters journalists reported outages across several areas of central Delhi, with vendors, shopkeepers and restaurants saying they were unable to accept digital payments.

The shutdown came as the “Cockroach” youth movement continued protests demanding Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam paper leaks in May that affected around 2 million students.

India has often restricted internet access during protests, citing public order concerns, while critics argue such measures disrupt businesses and limit access to information.

By Aghakazim Guliyev