Delhi Police Files SC/ST Act FIR Against CJP Leaders and Journalists
An FIR has been registered against CJP leaders and journalists under the SC/ST Act following allegations of casteist slurs during a Jantar Mantar protest.
In a significant legal escalation, the Delhi Police has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against several leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and two independent journalists. The case has been filed under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act following allegations of caste-based insults during a public demonstration.
The Allegations of Casteist Slurs
The legal proceedings were initiated following a formal complaint lodged by Vivek Bhagat, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) currently serving in the Connaught Place sub-division. ACP Bhagat, who identifies as a member of the Scheduled Caste community, alleges that he was targeted with derogatory remarks and casteist slurs during a protest held at Jantar Mantar on October 3, 2026. The protest was directed against the Election Commission of India.
The FIR specifically names several high-profile individuals, including:
- Abhijit Deepke (CJP Founder)
- Saurav Das (Chief Spokesperson)
- Ashutosh Ranka (Co-convenor)
- Ratna Singh (Legal Head)
- Rozi (Independent Journalist)
- Gajendra Singh (Independent Journalist)
According to the complaint, journalist Rozi reportedly questioned the ACP's appointment to his position in a public manner after observing his nameplate.
Legal Framework and Counter-Allegations
The police have invoked multiple sections of the law in this case. The FIR includes sections 221, 356(2), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), alongside specific provisions of the SC/ST Act, namely sections 3(1)(p), 3(1)(q), 3(1)(r), and 3(1)(s).
However, the situation is marked by intense controversy and conflicting claims. Journalist Rozi has leveled serious counter-accusations against ACP Vivek Bhagat, alleging misconduct and sexual harassment during the same protest. While three female journalists have filed complaints against police personnel regarding these specific incidents, these matters have been transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation. As of now, no FIR has been registered regarding these counter-allegations.
A Pattern of Legal Confrontations
This latest FIR follows a string of recent legal battles involving CJP members and the Delhi Police:
- October 10, 2026: Abhijit Deepke, Ashutosh Ranka, and Saurav Das were detained at Delhi Airport. A Magistrate Court subsequently ordered their release on October 11, 2026, under the condition that they maintain public peace for one year.
- October 14, 2026: Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde were arrested on charges of trespassing at Jantar Mantar, obstructing a public servant, and violating their previous bail conditions.
Police authorities have maintained a firm stance, stating that while the right to peaceful protest is recognized, any actions resulting in disorder or the violation of law will face strict consequences.