Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, along with several party supporters, on Tuesday morning after they entered the Jantar Mantar protest site in New Delhi by climbing barricades and gates. The incident took place a day after authorities reportedly withdrew Jantar Mantar's designation as an authorised protest venue. The leaders were carrying the Indian national flag and attempting to reclaim the site for their protest.
Leaders Climb Barricades to Enter Protest Site
According to reports, CJP leaders and volunteers climbed over barricades and a gate to enter the restricted premises. Videos shared on social media showed the group entering the area with national flags and raising slogans, including “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” and “Inquilab Zindabad”.
Delhi Police subsequently detained the demonstrators. The incident has once again brought the dispute over access to designated protest venues in the national capital into focus.
Jantar Mantar Restriction Triggers Fresh Confrontation
The latest detention comes amid an ongoing dispute between CJP and authorities over permission to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The party had reportedly issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Delhi Police on Monday, demanding a date for its proposed protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The party's agitation is linked to its allegations regarding electoral processes and voter-list revisions. The Election Commission has denied allegations of bias in the revision process.
Police May Consider Further Action
Reports indicate that police are considering registering a First Information Report (FIR) in connection with the group's entry into the premises. However, there was no immediate confirmation that an FIR had been formally registered. The latest incident follows the detention of CJP leaders, including Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 10, ahead of an earlier planned protest.
With tensions continuing over the proposed demonstration and access to Jantar Mantar, the next steps by Delhi Police and the response from CJP are likely to remain in focus.