Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been ordered to be released after spending seven days in judicial custody in Delhi. A Special Executive Magistrate issued the release order on Wednesday, October 21, following proceedings over their detention linked to a protest at Jantar Mantar.
Why Were the CJP Leaders Detained?
The case dates back to October 13, when Das and Ranka allegedly climbed the locked gates of Jantar Mantar and waved the national flag. The protest was part of the CJP-led ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ campaign against the site’s removal from the list of designated protest locations.
According to reports, their actions were also treated as a violation of peace bonds they had signed following their earlier detention on October 10.
The two leaders were subsequently sent to judicial custody on October 14.
Custody Extended Before Release
Initially, Das and Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody. On October 19, the Special Executive Magistrate extended their custody by another two days.
The Delhi Police later sought a further extension of their custody. However, on October 21, the magistrate ordered their release after accepting the sureties submitted during the proceedings.
The decision brought an end to their seven-day period in judicial custody.
Delhi High Court Hearing Earlier on Wednesday
Earlier on Wednesday, the two leaders had approached the Delhi High Court, challenging the extension of their judicial custody. However, they withdrew their petition after the court indicated that they should await the outcome of the proceedings before the Special Executive Magistrate.
The subsequent release order marked a significant development in the case.
The episode has drawn attention to restrictions on public demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and the legal proceedings surrounding the CJP’s protest campaign. The case stems from the group’s wider agitation over electoral issues and its demands for accountability.