A day after being released from seven days of judicial custody, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been summoned by Delhi Police Crime Branch on October 22.
The summons relates to the criminal cases registered following the party members’ October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the electoral roll revision process. These cases are distinct from the preventive proceedings concerning the alleged breach of peace bonds that led to the leaders’ judicial custody. The investigation into the October 13 incident is continuing despite their release.
Summoned For Questioning
Das and Ranka have been asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden, Delhi, to answer questions related to the alleged trespassing incident. The cases connected with the incident have reportedly been transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The fresh summons comes after a week of judicial custody and marks another development in the legal proceedings against the CJP leaders.
The summons is part of the ongoing investigation and does not establish that the leaders have committed an offence. The police are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the group’s entry into the area and the events that followed.
What Led To Detention
The case dates back to October 13, when 14 CJP members, including Das, Ranka and national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde, allegedly entered the Jantar Mantar area through private premises and climbed over a locked gate. According to police accounts, the group unfurled the national flag and raised slogans during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstration was linked to allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Jantar Mantar had been denotified as an authorised protest site before the incident. Police detained the members and registered two cases in connection with the incident. Das and Ranka were sent to judicial custody on October 14, with their custody subsequently extended by two days on October 19.
On October 21, a Special Executive Magistrate ordered their release after they completed seven days in custody and furnished the required undertakings and sureties. The Delhi High Court had earlier declined to intervene in their custody proceedings, leaving the matter to the magistrate. Their release, however, has not brought the separate investigation into the alleged trespassing to an end.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The developments underline the need to balance public order with the democratic right to peaceful dissent. Authorities have a responsibility to investigate alleged violations of the law, but any action against protesters must follow due process and remain proportionate to the circumstances. Equally, citizens and political groups must respect lawful restrictions and ensure that demonstrations do not compromise public safety. Criticism of electoral processes and public institutions should be addressed through transparent procedures, open dialogue and peaceful democratic engagement.
The allegations against the CJP leaders must be assessed on the basis of evidence, without prejudging their guilt or dismissing concerns about the right to protest. A healthy democracy depends on both accountable institutions and responsible civic participation. How can authorities ensure public safety while protecting citizens’ right to express dissent peacefully?
Also Read: CJP Leaders Saurav Das And Ashutosh Ranka Walk Free, Promise No Protest At De-notified Jantar Mantar
