News Desk: A Special Executive Magistrate on Wednesday sent Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to five days of judicial custody following their detention for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar in New Delhi without authorisation. The incident took place on Tuesday, a day after the protest site was officially removed from the list of designated venues for demonstrations.
CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde, who was also detained in connection with the incident, was released on a personal bond.
According to advocate Abhisht Hela, who represents the CJP leaders, Delhi Police told the magistrate that Das and Ranka had called on people to gather at Jantar Mantar, allegedly violating restrictions on the site. Police also argued that the two had breached an undertaking signed on Sunday before a Special Executive Magistrate at Delhi Cantonment Police Station, in which they had agreed not to disturb public peace.
The lawyer said police argued that there was a presumption that the accused might commit another offence if released. Das and Ranka were produced before the magistrate at Mandir Marg Police Station at around 8.30 am on Wednesday.
Protest Against Chief Election Commissioner
Das, the party's chief spokesperson, and Ranka, its national spokesperson, were detained on Tuesday morning after allegedly climbing over the locked gates of Jantar Mantar. They were accompanied by at least 10 other people, some of whom entered the premises carrying the national flag to protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A video shared by Ranka on social media showed the group climbing the gates before police personnel intervened. The protesters were heard raising slogans, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and demanding Gyanesh Kumar's resignation.
Following the detention, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the action and questioned why the leaders had been sent to judicial custody. In a post on X, he claimed that their offence was unfurling the national flag at Jantar Mantar. He also accused the authorities of attempting to suppress dissent.
Jantar Mantar No Longer a Protest Venue
The incident came a day after Delhi Police announced that Jantar Mantar would no longer be a designated venue for protests. According to a police circular issued on Monday, the Ministry of Home Affairs had formed a committee to identify alternative locations for public demonstrations.
Based on the committee's recommendations, three venues have been designated for protests: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in Shahdara.
Jantar Mantar has been a prominent site for demonstrations in the capital, including youth-led protests organised by the CJP in recent months. The latest detentions have added to the ongoing controversy surrounding restrictions on protests and the right to peaceful political expression in New Delhi.
Reader Comments 0