Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das have been summoned by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning on Thursday, October 22, a day after their release from Tihar Jail. CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde has also been called to join the investigation. The three have been asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden by noon.
The summons relate to cases registered over the party’s October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar. The investigation was transferred to the Crime Branch earlier this week.
What Happened at Jantar Mantar?
On October 13, CJP members attempted to enter Jantar Mantar, which had been denotified as a designated protest site. According to Delhi Police, Ranka, Das, Shinde and 11 other party members entered the area through private premises and crossed barricades before unfurling the national flag.
Police detained all 14 members and registered two FIRs in connection with the incident. The cases concern alleged trespassing, disobedience of official orders and alleged obstruction or assault involving public servants.
Seven Days in Judicial Custody
Ranka and Das were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14. Their custody was extended by two days on October 19.
On October 21, a Special Executive Magistrate ordered their release after accepting their personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 and written undertakings to maintain peace and comply with the law.
As part of their undertakings, the two leaders agreed not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is legally denotified in accordance with the applicable process. They also undertook to ensure that any future protests remain within constitutional limits.
Investigation Continues
The Delhi Police Crime Branch is now investigating both FIRs linked to the October 13 incident. The latest summons mark a fresh development in the case following the leaders’ release from judicial custody. The investigation remains ongoing.