In Ilkal town, located in Bagalkot district of northern Karnataka, residents staged a unique protest against the deteriorating road conditions by utilizing cockroaches as a symbol of civic neglect. Concerned citizens placed warning posters near a particularly damaged road, featuring a striking illustration of a human figure with a cockroach-like face to emphasize the urgent need for infrastructure improvements. This creative approach not only drew local attention but also sparked discussions about road safety and the necessity for better civic maintenance.

This protest mirrors a recent event in Delhi, where individuals dressed as cockroaches were seen cleaning the Yamuna River, which went viral on social media. Meanwhile, the Bengaluru Police issued a public advisory against an unauthorized call by the 'Cockroach Janta Party Karnataka' for a gathering at Town Hall on May 24, 2026, emphasizing that no permission was granted for such an event. The 'Cockroach Janta Party' was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a former worker of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and has gained traction online, particularly after a controversial remark by the Chief Justice of India regarding unemployed youth.