CJP Workers Face Court as Crime Branch Probe Intensifies
Cockroach Janata Party workers face court for bail verification while the Delhi Police Crime Branch continues its investigation into Jantar Mantar protests.
Three workers of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)—Saurabh Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde—are scheduled to appear before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court this Friday, October 23, 2026. The appearance comes amidst a tightening grip by the Delhi Police Crime Branch, which is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding a recent protest.
The Road to the Courtroom
The primary purpose of Friday's court appearance is the verification of documents submitted by the bail sureties of the three party workers. This follows a tumultuous week for Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who spent seven days in judicial custody.
The trouble began on October 13, 2026, when Das and Ranka were apprehended during a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The site, however, had been stripped of its status as an authorized protest location. Consequently, the duo faced serious charges involving unauthorized entry into private property and the breach of public peace.
Bail Conditions and Legal Warnings
After an initial five-day detention followed by a two-day extension, the court granted bail to the workers on October 21, 2026. However, their freedom came with strict strings attached. Both individuals were required to sign a written assurance promising to:
- Uphold the law and maintain public order.
- Abstain from organizing any further protests at Jantar Mantar until legal permissions are reinstated.
The court was explicit in its ruling, noting that the granting of bail is a procedural step for their release and must not be mistaken for an acquittal of the charges.
The Crime Branch Standoff
While the court handles the bail formalities, the Delhi Police Crime Branch is pursuing a deeper investigation. The tension escalated on Thursday, October 22, 2026, when the Crime Branch summoned Das, Ranka, and Shinde for questioning. The three workers failed to appear, instead requesting more time to present themselves.
Although no formal new notice has been issued for Friday, investigators have left the door open for cooperation. The Crime Branch has indicated that the workers may report for questioning between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Legal observers expect that if the CJP workers choose to cooperate with the investigators, they will likely attend the questioning session in the morning before heading to their scheduled 3:00 PM court hearing.