Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, two prominent leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), officially appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Thursday. The leaders visited the agency’s office located in Rajouri Garden to join the ongoing investigation into an incident that took place on October 13 at Jantar Mantar. The case centers on allegations of trespassing at a location that has been officially denotified as a designated site for public protests.
The visit to the Crime Branch followed a formal summons issued to the CJP leadership. Alongside Das and Ranka, another party leader named Ajinkya Shinde was also summoned by the police in connection with the same case. The appearance marks a significant development in the investigation, as the group had previously failed to attend a scheduled questioning session that was originally set for October 22. At that time, Ranka had explained that the leaders were unable to make the appointment and had communicated their unavailability to the authorities while awaiting a new date.
Reflecting on the delay prior to their attendance, Ranka had stated that the party was awaiting further instructions from the investigating team. He noted that once they were informed of the previous scheduling conflict, they remained in contact with the police to establish a mutually convenient time for the questioning to proceed. The legal proceedings are rooted in the events of October 13, when the two leaders were detained by law enforcement officials following a demonstration staged at the site.
According to statements provided by the police, the circumstances surrounding the protest involved a breach of security protocols. Investigators claim that the group gained access to the area by moving through private premises, thereby bypassing established entry points and violating conditions mandated to preserve public peace and order. The site, which was once a common location for public assembly, had previously undergone a process of being denotified, rendering it off-limits for such demonstrations.
The CJP leaders had previously spent time in judicial custody following the protest. Their release was secured on October 21 after they appeared before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court. During that hearing, they were granted release on the condition that they furnish both personal and surety bonds. As part of the court proceedings, both Das and Ranka submitted written undertakings, formally pledging to abide by the law and maintain public tranquility moving forward.
The conditions of these undertakings are extensive, requiring the leaders to refrain from any actions that could disturb public peace. Furthermore, the individuals have explicitly agreed not to organize or call for further protests at the Jantar Mantar location until such time that the site is officially re-notified or designated for such use in accordance with the law. They have also committed to ensuring that any future demonstrations they participate in will be conducted strictly within the established constitutional and legal framework of the country.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on the adherence to these legal conditions and the circumstances of the October 13 protest. The Crime Branch is expected to continue its review of the events, evaluating the claims of trespassing and the potential violation of peace-maintaining regulations. Further updates on the progress of the investigation are expected as the police complete their examination of the evidence and the statements provided by the CJP leaders.
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