CJP Leaders Detained at Jantar Mantar During Protest
Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at Jantar Mantar after breaching barricades during a protest.
In a tense confrontation at the heart of the national capital, Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das and national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka at Jantar Mantar on October 13, 2026.
The detention unfolded after Das, Ranka, and a group of associates reportedly breached security barricades and gates to access the protest site. Once inside, the group began chanting slogans, including 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', as they demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
A Crackdown on Protests in Delhi
This latest incident comes amidst a significant tightening of protest regulations in the city. The atmosphere at Jantar Mantar has changed drastically following a recent administrative shift:
- Removal of Protest Site: On October 11, 2026, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar officially removed Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest zones.
- Security Concerns: The decision was prompted by security assessments conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
- New Designated Areas: Protesters are now restricted to specific locations, including Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan, and the CBD Ground in East Delhi.
- Legal Restrictions: Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNSS) remains in force across the New Delhi district, strictly prohibiting any unauthorized assemblies.
A History of Recent Detentions
The detention of the CJP leadership is not an isolated event. The party has faced repeated friction with law enforcement over the past few days.
On October 10, 2026, Das, Ranka, and party leader Abhijeet Dipke were preventively arrested at Delhi Airport while attempting to travel for a scheduled demonstration. Authorities had denied permission for that specific protest, citing the party's failure to provide the mandatory 10-day prior intimation and concerns regarding their previous conduct.
Following their airport arrest, the leaders were presented before a magistrate. They were eventually released after signing a ₹50,000 bond, which legally mandated that they maintain good conduct and refrain from any activities that might disturb the peace for a period of one year.