Photo: The Indian Express
Cockroach Janta Party Leaders Questioned by Delhi Police Crime Branch
TL;DR
- Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Crime Branch for questioning.
- The summons relate to an October trespassing incident at the Jantar Mantar protest site.
- The leaders were previously held in judicial custody for approximately one week.
- The pair provided written undertakings to maintain peace and follow legal protest guidelines.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka visited the Delhi Police Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden on Thursday. The appearance followed official summons regarding incidents that occurred at the Jantar Mantar protest site in October.
The investigation centers on allegations that the leaders trespassed at the site, which has been de-notified for protests. Authorities stated the case originated from an October 14 complaint filed by the Janata Dal (United), whose office is located near the area.
Previously, Das and Ranka were detained after waving the national flag at the site on October 13. They spent about a week in Tihar jail before being released on October 21 after providing personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each.
As part of their release, the activists signed written undertakings promising to maintain peace and refrain from organizing protests at Jantar Mantar until it is legally re-notified. They expressed commitment to conducting future demonstrations within constitutional boundaries.
Why It Matters
This event highlights the ongoing legal and administrative scrutiny regarding designated protest sites and public demonstrations in India's capital. The case involves questions of constitutional rights to protest versus the enforcement of local site regulations and peace bonds, which are matters of significant public interest regarding civil liberties and law enforcement procedures.
Nov 5, 2026 · Updated 11/5/2026, 8:23:31 AM · Reported with: Times of India (India), Hindustan Times, The Indian Express
Sources (3)
NRI Bytes writes its own articles from the reporting below.
Times of India (India) — Jantar Mantar trespassing row: CJP's Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka appear before Crime BranchHindustan Times — Jantar Mantar protest case: CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka appear before Crime BranchThe Indian Express — CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka summoned to appear before Crime Branch at noonUp next · India-USA
Court Grants Protection to JNU Professor and MP in Harassment Case
Read next →
