Delhi Police Arrest CJP Activists for Inciting Unlawful Acts
Three Cockroach Janta Party activists arrested by Delhi Police for allegedly attempting to disturb public peace and inciting unlawful acts via social media.
In a significant move to maintain law and order, the Delhi Police on Wednesday announced the arrest of three activists from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The authorities cited repeated attempts by these individuals to disturb public peace and use social media platforms to instigate others to engage in unlawful activities.
The Jantar Mantar Incident
The arrests stem from an incident that unfolded on the morning of October 13. According to police reports, three CJP activists, along with 11 other members, allegedly attempted to enter the denotified protest site at Jantar Mantar by passing through private premises. When police personnel on duty intervened to stop them, the protesters reportedly obstructed the officers from performing their official duties.
The confrontation led to the detention of all 14 individuals. Consequently, two separate FIRs were registered on October 13:
- FIR No. 289/26 at the Connaught Place police station under Sections 223(a), 332, and 61(2).
- FIR No. 128/26 at the Parliament Street police station under Sections 221, 115(2), 132, 121(1), and 3(5).
Judicial Custody and Preventive Action
Following the initial detention, the police moved to arrest the three activists under preventive provisions of the law. The police statement highlighted that their alleged efforts to provoke similar unlawful behavior through social media were a primary factor in the decision.
The activists were produced before a Special Executive Magistrate, where proceedings were conducted under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The outcomes of the proceedings were as follows:
- Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka: Remanded to five days of judicial custody. The police expressed concerns that if released on bail, these individuals might repeat their violations and continue to instigate others.
- Ajinkya Shinde: Bound down for six months to maintain peace and good behaviour, requiring a personal bond and a surety of Rs 5,000.
Political Backlash and Criticism
The arrests have sparked intense political debate and criticism from various quarters. Abhijeet Dipke, a member of the CJP, questioned the severity of the police action, asking why hoisting the national flag had become a reason for judicial custody. He further accused the administration of imposing an "unofficial Emergency."
The controversy has also reached political leaders. Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj took to X (formerly Twitter) to condemn the remand of Das and Ranka, labeling the move as "DICTATORSHIP."
Defending the activists, Advocate Abhisht Hela, who is representing the three, challenged the legal grounds for these preventive measures. He alleged that the authorities are utilizing such laws as a tool to suppress political dissent.