Following their detention, Campaign for Judicial and Political (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das made serious allegations at a press conference, raising concerns over alleged restrictions, widespread train cancellations and the handling of their mobile phones. Their statements included sharp criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and concerns about the possibility of digital surveillance and evidence being planted.
Ashutosh Ranka Compares Recent Events to the 1975 Emergency
Addressing the press conference, Ashutosh Ranka launched a strong attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, comparing developments over the preceding 72 hours to the Emergency imposed in India in 1975.
Ranka alleged that the recent situation had surpassed what people traditionally associate with the Emergency, claiming that even during that period, Indian Railways had not faced a comparable situation involving train cancellations.
He accused the government of acting out of fear and claimed that hundreds of trains had been cancelled, inconveniencing millions of passengers. Ranka further alleged that several unprecedented developments had taken place during the previous 72 hours.
His remarks reflected his criticism of the government’s actions and the political situation in the country.
Saurav Das Raises Concerns Over Phones, Possible Hacking
CJP member Saurav Das, meanwhile, expressed concern over his phone allegedly being held for more than 24 hours. He questioned what might have happened to the device during that period.
Das said he feared that the phones could have been hacked or cloned. He also raised the possibility that documents or other material could have been planted on the devices and later presented as evidence.
Referring to what he described as similar experiences involving other activists in previous years, Das said these possibilities had become a source of concern for him.
However, the allegations regarding phone hacking, cloning and potential evidence planting have not been independently verified.
Leaders Voice Concerns After Detention
The two statements highlighted separate concerns raised by the CJP leaders following their detention. While Ranka focused on alleged restrictions and disruption to public transport, Das questioned the handling and security of the detained phones.
Their allegations have placed the circumstances surrounding their detention and the treatment of their devices at the centre of their public criticism.