CJP leaders appear before Delhi Crime Branch in Jantar Mantar protest case

Hyderabad: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Friday, October 23, for questioning in connection with the party’s protest at Jantar Mantar, media organisations reported. Their appearance came a day after a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court ordered their release from judicial custody. 

The two activists, along with fellow CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, had been asked to appear at the Crime Branch’s Rajouri Garden office on Thursday, October 22. However, all three failed to turn up at the scheduled time and requested additional time to join the investigation. Police subsequently said fresh notices would be issued. 

The questioning is part of the continuing legal proceedings linked to the detention of Das and Ranka following the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar on October 13. Police alleged that the activists entered a barricaded area through private premises after the designated protest site had been denotified, in violation of conditions imposed to prevent a breach of peace.

SEM Ritu Raj ordered the release of Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on October 21 after accepting personal and surety bonds worth Rs 50,000 each. The bonds are valid until the preventive inquiry is completed.

In the order, the magistrate cited the written undertakings submitted by the activists while explaining why keeping them in custody was no longer necessary at that point.

“Further judicial custody does not appear to be necessary at this stage, particularly after written undertakings before this Court,” the magistrate observed.

The release was subject to several conditions. Das and Ranka must appear at every hearing and abide by the commitments made before the court. They are also required to ensure that their actions do not disturb public order or lead to a breach of peace.

The activists have also committed to refraining from calling for protests at Jantar Mantar as long as the site remains denotified under the law. They stated that any demonstrations organised in the future would adhere to the constitutional framework.

The investigating officer must verify the sureties and submit a report at the next hearing. The preventive inquiry is still underway in accordance with the law.