Three prominent leaders of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde, have been placed under preventive arrest by Delhi Police. The detentions occurred after the leaders allegedly trespassed into Jantar Mantar, a site recently denotified for protests, to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Preventive Arrests Follow Jantar Mantar Entry
The incident unfolded early Tuesday morning, October 13, when the CJP leaders, along with a group of approximately 14 party members, reportedly used a narrow lane to access the JD(U) office premises adjacent to Jantar Mantar. They then allegedly climbed over a locked boundary wall to enter the protest site. Security personnel quickly intervened, detaining them shortly after their entry.
Police officials confirmed that a case was registered against the leaders for unauthorized entry, and they were subsequently taken to Jafarpur Kalan police station. The three are scheduled to be produced before the Special Executive Magistrate court at Mandir Marg on Thursday, October 15.
Police Justify Action, CJP Alleges 'Orders From Above'
Delhi Police described the arrests as preventive measures, aimed at averting a potential breach of public peace. Allegations against the leaders include trespassing, violation of prior bond conditions, and obstruction of public servants' duties. Under Indian law, preventive arrest allows police to detain individuals without a warrant to prevent a cognizable offense or a breach of peace, though such detention cannot exceed 24 hours without a magistrate's order.
However, the CJP's legal team has strongly contested the police action. Ratna Singh, Head of Legal Affairs for CJP, stated that the leaders were "arrested" and faced charges including trespass and obstruction. She further alleged that the police had removed the leaders' phones, limiting their contact with lawyers, and that the actions appeared politically motivated, carried out on "orders from above." Singh criticized the police for denying access to legal counsel and volunteers, asserting that designated protest sites are being arbitrarily "de-notified," and peaceful protesters are being harshly treated while criminals roam free.
Previous Detentions and Bail Conditions
This is not the first instance of preventive action against the CJP leadership. Earlier, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and party founder Abhijeet Dipke were detained at Indira Gandhi International Airport. They were held under preventive arrest for 24 hours before being released on Sunday, October 11.
Their release was contingent on a specific condition: they were prohibited from engaging in any activities likely to disturb public peace for a period of one year. The court had also mandated a peace bond of ₹50,000 under the relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
Despite the CJP's allegations, Delhi Police maintain that all legal procedures were strictly followed in the latest round of preventive arrests.