Jantar Mantar Trespassing Case: CJP Activists Back in Custody, Probe Moves to Crime Branch
CJP activists Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das return to custody as the Jantar Mantar trespassing case moves to the Delhi Police Crime Branch.
The legal battle surrounding the Jantar Mantar trespassing case has intensified as the investigation was officially transferred to the Crime Branch. This development comes as Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activists Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were sent back to judicial custody after the court rejected their surety documents.
Court Rejects Surety, Extends Custody
The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) Court at Mandir Marg Police Station ordered the extension of judicial custody for Ranka and Das until October 21. The decision followed a reported mismatch in the documents provided for their surety, leading the court to deny their release.
During the proceedings, SEM Ritu Raj expressed a lack of confidence in the respondents' assurances that they would not repeat the offence. The court observed that the activists had deliberately breached bonds submitted on October 11, 2026, and had immediately committed a breach of peace.
Legal Team Alleges "Mental Torture"
The decision has sparked sharp criticism from the legal representatives of the CJP activists. Ratna Singh, Head of Legal Affairs at CJP, described the court proceedings as a "mockery," alleging that the authorities were nitpicking reasons to curtail the activists' liberty.
Singh pointed out several irregularities in the hearing process:
- The hearing, scheduled for 2:00 PM, did not commence until approximately 3:30 PM.
- The defense argued that there was no substantial evidence presented by the prosecution to justify an extension of judicial custody.
- The CJP claims that the process is an attempt to stifle voices and constitutes "mental torture."
"We can see everything; the entire world can see everything. They cannot silence everyone," Singh stated, adding that the decision would be challenged.
Dispute Over Photo Mismatches
Advocate Abhik Chimni, representing the two activists, expressed deep disappointment over the court's ruling. He highlighted that the matter primarily concerned preventive custody and that the court had previously indicated that judicial custody might not be necessary, which is why sureties were requested.
Chimni revealed that despite submitting a new surety with all required details on Monday, the request was denied. According to the lawyer, the court cited a mismatch in photographs and a general "apprehension" as the grounds for the rejection. He argued that legally, individuals should be released first, with verification following afterward.
Background of the Arrest
The controversy began on October 12, when the Delhi Police arrested Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and several others. They were accused of trespassing at Jantar Mantar, a site that has been de-notified as a designated venue for protests. Following their initial arrest, the activists were placed in judicial custody for five days before the recent developments led to their continued detention and the transfer of the case to the Crime Branch.