Delhi Police Crime Branch summons CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka a day after release

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for questioning over two cases linked to their Jantar Mantar protest.

According to a report by India Today quoting police sources, CJP member Ajinkya Shinde has also been summoned. The cases concern allegations of trespassing and disobeying orders issued by a public servant.

Das and Ranka have been asked to report to the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at noon on Thursday (October 22). They were released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday (October 21) after spending a week in judicial custody.

Also Read: CJP leaders’ detention: Is the process being used to punish protestors?

CJP leaders not to appear today

The cases stem from a protest on October 13, when CJP members tried to enter Jantar Mantar and unfurl the national flag. They were seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

However, later in the day, Delhi Police reportedly said that Ranka and Das have informed them about their unavailability and have sought additional time. Delhi Police Crime Branch will reportedly issue fresh summons with a change in date and time.

Two FIRs transferred to Crime Branch

Police have handed both cases over to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The first FIR was filed at Connaught Place police station, while the second was registered at Parliament Street police station.

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Police said that the protesters crossed barricades and entered the area through a private establishment. Personnel intervened after the group entered the site. The Connaught Place FIR names offences including disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, house trespass and criminal conspiracy under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The Parliament Street FIR concerns alleged obstruction and assault of public servants, as well as injuries caused to police personnel during the protest.

SEM court orders release

Das and Ranka walked out of Tihar Jail after a Special Executive Magistrate rejected the police request to extend their custody by three days. They had been held since October 14 in proceedings linked to an alleged breach of peace and violations of earlier peace bonds.

Also Read: CJP leaders withdraw Delhi High Court plea against judicial custody extension

The magistrate ordered their release after they furnished personal bonds and sureties of Rs 50,000 each. Both also gave written undertakings to maintain peace and public tranquillity.

They reportedly agreed not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar while it remains denotified as a protest site. They also undertook to keep any future demonstrations within the constitutional framework. The court found no need for further judicial custody in view of these assurances and directed them to comply with the bonds and attend subsequent proceedings.