CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka sent to 2 more days of judicial custody

The judicial custody of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka was extended by two days on Monday by the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case. 

Das and Ranka were produced before the SEM at Mandir Marg police station after their five-day judicial custody ended on Monday. Delhi Police had sought an extension of their judicial custody, while CJP's legal affairs head, Ratna Singh, questioned the need for further detention, alleging that the prosecution had failed to present arguments on the law. 

"We are still at SEM court, waiting for the court to dictate order. There is no reason to extend judicial custody. Today also, no argument was presented by PP (Public Prosecutor) on law. All his arguments were mere assumptions. Absolute waste of time of SEM court," Singh said in a post on X. Calling the proceedings a "waste of time", she demanded the release of the two leaders. 

The two CJP leaders were sent to five-day judicial custody on October 14 after they were detained for allegedly trespassing at Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. Das and Ranka, along with party member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13 after they allegedly entered the protest site through private premises and obstructed police personnel from discharging their official duties. 

Delhi Police had justified the custody order, citing their alleged repeated violations of law and apprehension that, if released, they would again violate the law and instigate others to do the same. Shinde was released on a personal bond and directed to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months. 

The CJP members were protesting against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and had raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. 

Earlier, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, had been released in connection with the October 10 protest after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and on the condition that they would not be involved in any breach-of-peace cases for a year. Meanwhile, Delhi Police had said that Jantar Mantar was de-notified as a designated protest site on October 12 under new guidelines issued through Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026. Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi were designated as alternative protest venues.