Delhi Police Crime Branch summons CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after Tihar Jail release

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for questioning in connection with trespassing and public obstruction cases, just a day after their release from Tihar Jail.

Notice was served to Mr Das and Mr Ranka, alongside party member Ajinkya Shinde, directing them to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden. The step follows the transfer of two cases from local police stations to the Crime Branch to ensure a comprehensive inquiry into the events at Jantar Mantar earlier this month.

Release on peace bonds

Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj ordered the release of the two CJP co-convenors after seven days in judicial custody. The court accepted written undertakings from both leaders affirming their respect for institutional processes and agreeing to maintain public tranquility.

As part of the release conditions, Mr Das and Mr Ranka executed personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each. They gave explicit assurances that they would not call for any demonstrations at Jantar Mantar as long as the venue remains denotified as a protest site by authorities.

Background to the investigation

The cases originate from an incident on October 13, when 14 CJP members entered the barricaded Jantar Mantar area, allegedly accessing the site through adjacent private premises during a demonstration concerning electoral roll revisions. Officers on duty reported that public servants were obstructed while enforcing public order orders.

Two First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered immediately following the incident and have since been consolidated under the Crime Branch's jurisdiction.

Authorities transferred the probe to the Crime Branch citing the sensitive nature of maintaining law and order around high-security administrative zones in the national capital. The Special Executive Magistrate observed that preventive bonds under Section 135(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) effectively serve the purpose of maintaining public order while the investigation continues.