Jantar Mantar Row: CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Sent To 5-Day Judicial Custody
Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka face 5-day judicial custody after a Jantar Mantar protest in Delhi.
Jantar Mantar Row: Cockroach Janta Party Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Sent to 5-Day Judicial Custody as Delhi Police Action Sparks Controversy
The Jantar Mantar protest controversy has intensified after Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14, 2026. The two leaders were detained by the Delhi Police following an alleged unauthorised entry into Jantar Mantar, which had recently been removed from the list of designated protest venues.
Rad more: With Indus Waters Treaty On Hold, Pakistan Projects 22% Water Shortage This Season
The development has triggered a political and legal dispute over restrictions on demonstrations, the grounds for preventive detention and the right to peaceful protest. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticised the action, while the police have defended their decision by citing alleged violations of legal conditions and restrictions at the protest site.
Why Were Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Sent to Judicial Custody?
According to reports, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained on October 13 after CJP members allegedly crossed barricades and entered the restricted Jantar Mantar premises without the required authorisation.
The activists reportedly carried the Indian national flag and raised slogans during their demonstration. The protest was linked to the party’s demand for accountability over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and its demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The Delhi Police alleged that the activists had violated restrictions and breached conditions associated with earlier peace bonds. The case reportedly involves allegations of trespassing, disobedience of prohibitory orders, breach of a peace bond and obstruction of a public servant.
On Wednesday, a Special Executive Magistrate ordered five days of judicial custody for Das and Ranka. The two leaders were subsequently lodged in Tihar Jail. Another CJP member, Ajinkya Shinde, was released on a personal bond.
What Is the Cockroach Janta Party Saying?
The Cockroach Janta Party has criticised the police action, arguing that its members were protesting against issues they consider important to electoral accountability and democratic rights.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke expressed his opposition to the custody order through social media. He described the incident as punishment for displaying the national flag at Jantar Mantar and questioned the government’s response to the demonstration.
The party has maintained that the detention will not stop its political activities. Its leaders have also raised concerns about restrictions on access to the protest site and the ability of citizens to organise demonstrations in the national capital.
However, the allegations made by the party and its supporters remain contested, with the police presenting a different account of the incident and the reasons for detaining the activists.
Delhi Police’s Position in the Jantar Mantar Row
The Delhi Police has defended its action by alleging that the CJP leaders repeatedly attempted to violate the law. Police officials have also raised concerns about the alleged obstruction of personnel performing their official duties and the possibility of further violations if the activists were released.
Read more: 13 October Veronica Gold Update: Gold And Silver Prices Record Marginal Gains
According to reports, the police argued that the leaders had breached previously imposed conditions and that their actions could encourage others to disregard restrictions at the site.
The defence, however, has disputed aspects of the police account. Advocate Abhisht Hela, representing the activists, questioned the legal basis for the custody order and challenged the claim that the leaders had called on people to assemble at Jantar Mantar.
The lawyer also argued that the activists had not violated their bonds and questioned the use of a separate complaint connected with Connaught Place in the proceedings. These competing claims have brought the legal justification for the detention into focus.
We’re now on WhatsApp. Click to join.
Like this post?
Register at One World News to never miss out on videos, celeb interviews, and best reads.
