Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been remanded to five days of judicial custody at Delhi’s Tihar Jail after being accused of repeatedly violating the law and attempting to disturb public peace. According to a Delhi Police statement reported by ANI, the two were among 14 CJP members detained on October 13, 2026, after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, which police said had been denotified as a designated protest site, through private premises.
Police alleged that the group obstructed officers on duty and that the leaders used social media to instigate others to engage in similar activities. The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) remanded Das and Ranka to judicial custody, citing concerns about alleged repeated violations. Meanwhile, Ajinkya Shinde was released after furnishing a personal bond and surety of ₹5,000, undertaking to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months.
Police Cite Repeated Violations
According to the statement issued by Delhi Police and reported by ANI, the incident occurred during the morning hours of October 13, when Das, Ranka, Shinde and 11 other CJP members allegedly entered Jantar Mantar by trespassing through private premises. Police personnel deployed at the site intervened and attempted to stop the group. The protesters allegedly obstructed the officers while they were carrying out their official duties, prompting the police to detain all 14 individuals.
The police said two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident: FIR No. 289/26 at Connaught Place police station under Sections 223(a), 332 and 61(2), and FIR No. 128/26 at Parliament Street police station under Sections 221, 115(2), 132, 121(1) and 3(5) of the relevant criminal law provisions, as cited in the statement. All 14 individuals were subsequently bound down in the respective cases, as per the police account.
The police further alleged that the three CJP leaders had repeatedly attempted to disturb public peace and violate the law. Their alleged attempts to encourage others through social media to engage in similar activities were also taken into consideration. These are allegations made by the police and should not be treated as established findings of guilt.
Court Orders Judicial Custody
Following the proceedings, Das, Ranka and Shinde were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate, where action was initiated under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). Section 126 provides for security to keep the peace in specified circumstances, while Section 170 concerns preventive action by police to prevent the commission of certain cognisable offences.
According to Delhi Police, the SEM considered the details presented in the kalandra, a police report submitted for preventive proceedings, and the alleged repeated violations of the law. The authorities expressed apprehension that the leaders could again violate the law or instigate others if released. Following these proceedings, Das and Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody at Tihar Jail.
Shinde, however, was bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months after furnishing a personal bond and surety of ₹5,000. The differing outcomes mean that while Das and Ranka will remain in judicial custody for the period specified by the court, Shinde has been permitted to leave after complying with the conditions imposed on him. The police statement does not establish that the allegations against any of the individuals have resulted in a conviction.
CJP Protest Row Continues
The detentions and subsequent proceedings come amid tensions between the CJP and Delhi authorities over the party’s proposed political agitation. The latest incident at Jantar Mantar has brought the dispute back into focus, with the police maintaining that the site has been denotified as a designated protest location and alleging that the group entered through private premises.
For political groups and citizens seeking to organise demonstrations, the developments highlight the importance of understanding the permissions, restrictions and legal conditions applicable to public gatherings. At the same time, allegations of trespass, obstruction or attempts to disturb public order must be assessed through the appropriate legal process, with those accused being afforded due process.
The police statement also raises questions about the use of preventive provisions in situations involving political mobilisation. Such measures are intended to prevent potential breaches of peace, but their application must remain within the framework of the law.
The precise circumstances of the incident, the applicable restrictions and the evidence supporting the allegations will be important in determining the subsequent course of the proceedings. The CJP’s response to the latest developments and its plans for future action remain significant, particularly as the party considers how to pursue its political demands.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Peaceful protest is a cornerstone of democracy, and citizens must be able to raise concerns and question authorities through lawful and non-violent means. At the same time, the right to protest comes with a responsibility to respect the law and ensure that demonstrations do not endanger others or obstruct public safety. Allegations against political leaders should be examined fairly, and preventive action must be proportionate, transparent and subject to legal safeguards.
How can authorities and political groups protect the right to peaceful protest while ensuring public safety and respecting the rule of law?
