CJP Activist Saurav Das Among 14 Detained at Jantar Mantar
Activist Saurav Das and 13 others were detained by Delhi Police at Jantar Mantar during a protest against the de-notification of the site.
In a significant escalation of tensions regarding protest rights in the national capital, 14 individuals, including prominent Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Saurav Das, were detained by the Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar on Sunday morning.
The group, which included key associates Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, was reportedly taken into custody during a demonstration aimed at asserting the legitimacy of Jantar Mantar as a venue for democratic expression. The detainees have since been moved to the Jaffarpur Kalan police station.
Legal Counsel Seeks Access to Detainees
Speaking to the media outside the Jaffarpur Kalan police station, Advocate Pushp Sharma, the legal counsel for the detained group, confirmed the details of the operation. He stated that a total of 14 people were picked up during the morning proceedings.
"Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde, and 11 others along with them—a total of 14 people—were detained from Jantar Mantar this morning," Sharma said.
The lawyer expressed concern over the current situation, noting that legal representatives have faced hurdles in meeting their clients. According to Sharma, the detainees are currently being held inside the station, and while he has approached police officials for permission to meet them, access has not yet been granted.
"I spoke with the police officers standing outside, and they mentioned that it will take some more time. I have not been permitted to go inside to meet them yet. We have been informed that the SHO has said permission may be granted in 15 to 20 minutes," Sharma added.
"Who is the Home Ministry to take away Jantar Mantar?"
The detention occurred as activists attempted to stage a protest against the government's decision to de-notify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. In a video recorded while being transported in a police bus, a defiant Saurav Das questioned the legality and authority behind the move.
"Hello friends! Jantar Mantar has been breached. This is Jantar Mantar. We were inside, and now they are detaining us and taking us away. Who is the Home Ministry to take away our Jantar Mantar?" Das asserted in the footage.
Das argued that the systematic removal of public spaces for dissent is a direct blow to the functioning of democracy in India. He claimed that the de-notification process lacked public consultation and highlighted a pattern of restricting access to landmarks.
A Pattern of Restricted Protest Spaces
The activist pointed out that several iconic locations have seen similar restrictions in recent times. He argued that the government is effectively stifling dissent by removing the physical spaces where citizens can voice their grievances.
- India Gate: Previously used for various public gatherings.
- Boat House: Another site where public access and protest rights have been impacted.
- Jantar Mantar: The latest major site to face de-notification.
"Were people consulted when Jantar Mantar was de-notified? No one was consulted. This oppressive government just removed Jantar Mantar. First, they took away India Gate, then they took away Boat House, and now they have taken away Jantar Mantar. There is not a single protest site left in the New Delhi district. Democracy cannot function like this," Das stated during his protest.