Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from Delhi’s Tihar Jail after spending seven days in judicial custody. A Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) ordered their release after the two submitted written undertakings assuring the court that they would maintain public peace and would not call for protests at Jantar Mantar while it remains a denotified protest site.
The two leaders had been in judicial custody since October 14 after being arrested in connection with a protest at Jantar Mantar, where they allegedly crossed police barricades and entered the restricted area while demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Initially remanded to five days of judicial custody, their detention was later extended by two more days. Delhi Police had sought a further extension of custody, citing concerns over repeated violations of peace bonds and continued protest calls, but the magistrate declined the request and instead granted their release.
As part of the release conditions, Das and Ranka furnished personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each. They also agreed not to organise demonstrations at Jantar Mantar until the site is legally restored as a designated protest venue and assured the court they would not engage in activities that could disturb public order.
Following their release, the leaders thanked supporters who had campaigned for their freedom and reiterated that their movement would continue through lawful means. CJP members welcomed the decision, calling it a morale boost for the party’s ongoing campaign regarding electoral roll revisions.
However, the legal proceedings are far from over. Within a day of their release, the Delhi Police Crime Branch issued fresh summons to both Das and Ranka as investigations into the protest-related case continue.
