Jantar Mantar Trespass: CJP Activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Join Crime Branch Probe
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka of Cockroach Janata Party join the Crime Branch probe into the Jantar Mantar trespassing incident.
In a significant development regarding the Jantar Mantar trespassing case, activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) appeared before the Delhi Police Crime Branch at its Rajouri Garden office on Thursday. The duo joined the investigation following summons from the agency to clarify their roles in the incident.
A History of Missed Summons
This appearance follows a period of tension between the activists and the investigating agency. Previously, Das, Ranka, and another associate, Ajinkya Shinde, had failed to report for questioning on October 22, despite being summoned for 12 noon that day.
Addressing the previous absence, Ashutosh Ranka clarified that they were unable to visit the office at that time and had duly informed the authorities. He noted that they had been waiting for the Crime Branch to confirm new timings and dates for their appearance.
The Core of the Controversy
The investigation stems from a protest held on October 13 at Jantar Mantar. The police allege that the activists trespassed into the area, which had been denotified as a designated protest site. According to the authorities, the individuals entered the zone through private premises and violated conditions essential for maintaining public peace.
Legal Battles and Court Orders
The legal trajectory of the case saw Das and Ranka being detained initially. However, on October 21, they were released from judicial custody by the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court. The release was granted after the activists accepted personal and surety bonds and provided written undertakings to abide by the law.
SEM Ritu Raj imposed the following conditions for their release:
- The submission of personal and surety bonds worth Rs 50,000 each, valid until the conclusion of the enquiry.
- A mandatory requirement to appear on every scheduled hearing date.
- Strict compliance with all conditions specified in their bonds and undertakings.
Commitment to Peace
As part of their written undertakings, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have formally promised the court that they will not engage in activities that breach peace or disturb public tranquillity.
Furthermore, they have pledged not to organize or call for any protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is legally denotified. The activists have emphasized that any future demonstrations will be conducted strictly within the existing constitutional framework.