NEW DELHI, October 12: A confrontation between Delhi Police and Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has intensified after he challenged authorities to release the complete, unedited footage of the moment he was informed about his grandmother’s death during detention. The controversy has triggered conflicting accounts over police conduct, access to communication and the handling of a family bereavement.
Dipke Demands Complete Footage
Speaking to reporters in Hingoli, Maharashtra, on October 12, Dipke challenged Delhi Police to make the entire recording public. He alleged that the video released by the police omitted crucial portions of the interaction, including his requests to access his phone and contact his cousin.
Dipke also claimed that he was denied permission to speak to a lawyer during detention. He argued that releasing the complete footage would allow the public to assess his account of the incident rather than relying solely on the police version.
Police Release Video, Offer Assistance
Delhi Police released footage showing a woman police officer informing Dipke about his grandmother’s death. The recording also shows an offer to assist with travel arrangements so he could attend the last rites in Maharashtra.
Police maintained that assistance was offered, including help with transportation and contacting his family. However, Dipke has questioned the completeness of the recording and the circumstances surrounding his detention.
CJP Leaders Question Police Conduct
Dipke was detained alongside CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das on October 10, after their flight landed in Delhi. The detention took place ahead of the party’s planned protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral roll irregularities.
Ranka subsequently criticised the manner in which Dipke was informed about the bereavement, alleging that the situation was handled insensitively.
Questions Remain Unanswered
The dispute now centres on the conflicting accounts presented by the police and CJP leaders. While the released footage documents part of the interaction, Dipke’s demand for the complete recording has placed the focus on what the video does not show.
Whether the full footage will be released remains a key question in the escalating controversy.