CJP Activists Skip Crime Branch Questioning After Court Release
Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka skip Crime Branch questioning after being released from custody over the Jantar Mantar protest.
In a fresh twist to the ongoing investigation into the Jantar Mantar protests, three activists associated with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)—Saurabh Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde—failed to appear before the Delhi Police Crime Branch for questioning on Thursday. The trio had been summoned to the Rajouri Garden office at 12 noon but did not show up, instead requesting more time from the authorities.
Fresh Notices Expected
The absence of the three leaders has prompted the Delhi Police to prepare for the next step in their probe. Following the request for additional time, the Crime Branch is expected to issue fresh notices to the activists, mandating their appearance at a later date.
Court-Ordered Release and Conditions
This development follows a recent decision by a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court, which ordered the release of Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka from judicial custody. SEM Ritu Raj granted their release after accepting personal and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each.
The court's decision to release the leaders was based on several strict conditions and written undertakings provided by the activists, including:
- Maintaining Peace: A formal promise to abide by the law and not disturb public tranquillity.
- Protest Restrictions: An undertaking not to organize or call for protests at Jantar Mantar until the site is officially denotified according to legal procedures.
- Constitutional Framework: A commitment that any future demonstrations would be conducted strictly within the constitutional framework.
- Court Attendance: A mandate to appear at every scheduled hearing date.
"Further judicial custody does not appear to be necessary at this stage, particularly after written undertakings before this Court," the SEM court observed.
The Root of the Conflict: Jantar Mantar Protests
The legal battle stems from an incident on October 13, when Das and Ranka were detained in connection with a protest at Jantar Mantar. The police alleged that the area had been denotified as a designated protest site and that the activists had illegally entered the location via private premises, thereby violating peace and order.
What Happens Next?
While the activists are currently out of custody, the legal scrutiny remains intense. The SEM court has clarified that the enquiry into the matter will continue in full accordance with the law.
The court has directed the investigating officer to provide a verification report regarding the sureties at the next hearing. The matter is listed for further proceedings on October 23 at 3 pm, where both leaders and their sureties are required to be present.