CJP co-conveners Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch on today in connection with the October protest at Jantar Mantar. The two leaders reached the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden after receiving summons for questioning in cases pertaining to alleged trespassing and other violations during the demonstration.
The two activists were arrested weeks ago and spent about seven days in judicial custody. Their appearance is another step in the probe into the protest and how they got into restricted area.
Why Were CJP Leaders Summoned?
The FIR relates to a demonstration on October 13 in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi by Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde and other party members against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The protesters demanded resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and alleged deletion of voters’ names from electoral roll revision process.
The group allegedly broke barricades and entered the Jantar Mantar area through private premises after it was de-notified as an authorised protest site by Delhi Police.
The protesters also raised the national flag during their demonstration. Police arrested the participants and two cases were opened related to the incident.
Two Cases Transferred to Crime Branch
Delhi Police handed over both cases registered in connection with the October 13 incident to Crime Branch for further probe.
One case alleges trespassing, disobedience of orders issued by a public servant and criminal conspiracy; the other alleges obstructing police personnel and causing injuries during the incident.
With the transfer both investigations came under the specialised police unit. Das and Ranka were called in for questioning and statements given.
The two leaders were summoned on Oct 22 but requested more time because they were not available.
From Arrest to Release From Tihar Jail
The CJP co-conveners were first detained after the October protest and sent to judicial custody on 14 October.
They were kept in custody for about seven days. On October 21 a Special Executive Magistrate released them after they produced personal bonds and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each.
As part of the release conditions, they gave written undertakings that they would maintain peace and public tranquillity. They also not call for protests at Jantar Mantar while the place was de-notified as an authorised protest site.
The magistrate released them after taking into account the undertakings made by the two leaders.
#WATCH | Delhi: CJP leaders Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka reach the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden after they were summoned by the agency to join the investigation. https://t.co/O4RcJJM4qy
— ANI (@ANI) November 5, 2026
What Is the CJP Protest About?
The Cockroach Janta Party’s demonstration was linked to its opposition to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
The party criticised the electoral process and called for accountability from the Election Commission. Its protest was mainly against alleged irregularities and removal of voters’ names.
The police investigation is being carried out into how the protesters entered Jantar Mantar and confronted security personnel.
Investigation Continues
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka appearing before Crime Branch on November 5 is an important development in the case.
The probe will look into allegations made about the October demonstration (including alleged trespassing and obstruction of police officers).
The appearance of the two leaders is not a verdict of guilt. What happens next depends on the investigation and legal proceedings that follow.
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