New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been remanded to five days of judicial custody in connection with a protest at Jantar Mantar. Both were produced before a magistrate on Wednesday morning. Earlier, on Tuesday, the police had detained Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde. It is alleged that the three breached police barricades to enter Jantar Mantar and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Allegation of Violating Bond Conditions
According to reports, the three leaders were produced before a magistrate at Mandir Marg, Delhi, around 8 AM on Wednesday. They had previously been released on the condition that they execute a bond of ₹50,000 and refrain from engaging in activities that disturb the peace for a period of one year.
This time, the police have accused them of entering the protest site without permission and violating the terms of their bond. Further legal action is underway in the matter.
Charges of Unauthorized Entry and Obstruction of Official Duty
Prior to the court appearance, Ratna Singh, head of the CJP’s legal team, shared information on social media stating that the Delhi Police had arrested Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde at the Sansad Marg Police Station. Charges filed against them include unauthorized entry, violation of bond conditions, and obstruction of a public servant in the discharge of their duties.
According to Ratna Singh, the three were denied permission to meet their lawyers until late at night. She claimed that the leaders were brought to the Sansad Marg Police Station in a private van around 3 AM.
Protests in Delhi Over SIR
This action comes amidst ongoing protests in Delhi regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. CJP and other groups are protesting against alleged irregularities in the voter list process.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar had issued an order on October 11 designating Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground as the authorized venues for protests. Under this order, Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of permitted protest sites.
Currently, further legal proceedings in the matter are underway following the remand of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days of judicial custody.
