Delhi Crime Branch Summons CJP Leaders Das, Ranka Over Jantar Mantar Protest

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to record their statements in two cases linked to a protest at Jantar Mantar. They have been reportedly asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at 12 noon on Thursday. CJP member Ajinkya Shinde has also been summoned, according to police sources. The investigation relates to allegations of trespassing, disobeying official orders and clashes with police personnel during the protest.

The summons came a day after Das and Ranka were released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday. They had spent about a week in judicial custody. A Special Executive Magistrate rejected the police request to extend their custody and ordered their release after they submitted personal bonds and sureties of ₹50,000 each.

Two Cases Linked to Jantar Mantar Protest

The Delhi Police transferred both cases related to the October 13 incident to the Crime Branch for further investigation. One case was registered at Connaught Place police station and the other at Parliament Street police station. Police alleged that the CJP members crossed barricades and entered the restricted protest area through a private establishment.

• Disobeying orders issued by a public servant, trespassing and criminal conspiracy.
• Obstructing and assaulting public servants and causing injuries to police personnel.
• Attempting to enter Jantar Mantar and unfurl the national flag during the protest.

Leaders Agree to Maintain Peace

The magistrate ordered the release of Das and Ranka after they gave written assurances to maintain peace and public order. They also agreed not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar while it remains officially removed from the list of designated protest sites. They must ensure that any future protests follow the law and the Constitution.

The CJP leaders had organised the protest to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the deletion of voters names. They were first detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 10 ahead of a planned protest and were later detained again on October 14. The latest summons marks another step in the investigation, and the Crime Branch is expected to question the leaders as it examines both cases.