New Delhi, November 5: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch on Thursday in connection with cases linked to a protest at Jantar Mantar on October 13. The two reached the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden around 11 am, where officers questioned them, police sources said.
The questioning is related to two FIRs registered over allegations that the activists entered the denotified protest site at Jantar Mantar and unfurled the national flag. The cases were registered at Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations and were later transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation.
The October 13 protest was organised by CJP members against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The demonstrators also raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 others were among those who took part in the demonstration.
According to the police, Jantar Mantar had been denotified as a designated protest venue. The activists allegedly entered the area in violation of restrictions. Police detained those involved, and Das and Ranka were subsequently sent to judicial custody.
The two leaders remained in judicial custody for around a week before being released from Tihar Jail on October 21. They were released following an order by the Special Executive Magistrate after furnishing personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each.
As part of the release conditions, both submitted written undertakings to maintain peace and abide by the law. They also undertook not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is formally designated as a protest venue in accordance with the law. They further stated that any future protest would be conducted within the constitutional framework.
The Crime Branch had earlier summoned Das and Ranka on October 22 for questioning. They did not appear on that date and sought additional time. Following a fresh summons, the two appeared at the Rajouri Garden office on Thursday.
The investigation is continuing. Further details about the questioning were not available at the time of publication.
