Delhi Police has transferred another case registered against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to its Crime Branch, taking the number of cases against the jailed leaders being investigated by the specialised unit to two, sources told PTI on Tuesday.
The development follows the transfer of another case concerning the alleged entry of CJP members into the Jantar Mantar area. The cases stem from an October 13 incident in which 14 CJP members, including Das, Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, were detained after allegedly entering the area through private premises. Police have registered two FIRs in connection with the incident.
Second Case Transferred
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), Delhi Police has transferred a second case involving CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to the Crime Branch for investigation. The move brings both cases against the jailed leaders connected to the recent incident under the specialised unit’s investigation.
The latest transfer comes a day after another case concerning the alleged entry of the two leaders into the Jantar Mantar area was handed over to the Crime Branch. The cases are linked to an incident on October 13, when a group of CJP members reportedly reached the area despite restrictions on its use as a protest site.
The Crime Branch handles investigations into cases that may require specialised examination. However, the transfer of a case to the unit does not, by itself, establish the guilt of the accused or indicate that the allegations have been proven. The investigation will have to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine whether the alleged offences are supported by evidence.
As of the information reported by PTI, no further official statement explaining the specific reasons for transferring the second case was available. Delhi Police’s detailed position on the latest development, including whether the transfer would lead to any additional investigative steps, was not immediately clear.
What Happened At Jantar Mantar?
According to Delhi Police, on October 13, CJP members Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other party members reached Jantar Mantar, which police said had been denotified as a designated protest site. The group allegedly entered the area by trespassing through premises.
Police personnel deployed at the location intervened and attempted to stop the group. All 14 members were subsequently detained, and two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident. The cases reportedly relate to the circumstances surrounding the group’s entry into the area and the events that followed.
The allegations against the CJP members remain subject to investigation. The incident has also brought attention to the distinction between the right to peaceful protest and compliance with restrictions imposed by the authorities. Jantar Mantar has historically been a prominent location for demonstrations in the national capital, with political parties, civil society groups and citizens using the area to raise public concerns.
At the same time, access restrictions, permissions and other applicable rules can affect when and how demonstrations take place. Whether a particular action violates the law must be determined on the basis of the evidence, the relevant legal provisions and the findings of the investigation.
The transfer of both cases to the Crime Branch means that the specialised unit will examine the matters further. The investigation is expected to establish the sequence of events, assess the evidence and determine the responsibility, if any, of those involved. Any further developments, including the filing of charges or other legal proceedings, will depend on the outcome of the investigation and the applicable legal process.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Maintaining public order and safeguarding citizens’ right to express dissent are both important responsibilities in a democracy. Public order is not only the responsibility of authorities but also of citizens, who must act responsibly and respect the law. Any allegations of violations should be evaluated fairly and impartially on the basis of evidence, ensuring that due process is followed.
A balanced approach that upholds accountability, respect for the law and constructive dialogue can help prevent confrontations and strengthen public trust in institutions. How can citizens and authorities work together to maintain public order while ensuring that all actions are assessed fairly?
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