CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka to remain in custody until October 21

A Delhi court on Monday, October 19, extended the judicial custody of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka by two days over an alleged breach of peace bonds. They will remain in custody until their next hearing on October 21.

The Delhi police had sought a five-day extension, alleging that the two had breached bonds they furnished on October 11 by calling on people to gather at Jantar Mantar. Police said the site had been de-notified as an official protest venue and alleged that Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka had used social media to mobilise people for demonstrations at other non-designated locations, including Connaught Place, Live Law reported.

The CJP leaders were initially detained at an airport on October 10, ahead of protests demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over massive irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. They were released that day after furnishing peace bonds of Rs 50,000 each. They were later detained in connection with an attempt to hold a Tiranga protest at Jantar Mantar and remanded to five days of judicial custody on October 14.

Opposing the police request, the defence sought their immediate release and said they would not repeat the alleged conduct. Their lawyers also disputed that the two had called for protests after October 10 and noted that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had been released.

Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj said the police had placed material before the court raising concerns about a possible breach of peace. The court said the men’s assurance that they would not repeat the alleged conduct did not inspire confidence in light of the material presented.

“The application filed by the IO [Investigating Officer] is supported by substantial material on record, raising serious concerns regarding the likelihood of breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity,” the court said, according to Bar and Bench.

The magistrate also rejected the sureties presented for Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, finding them unfit. The order cited a mismatch between a surety’s photograph on the bond and his Aadhaar card, unsatisfactory answers during questioning, and the sureties’ inability to ensure the men’s appearance in court.

“The inquiry conducted revealed that both the sureties have no control over the respondents to produce them before the court,” the order said, directing the CJP leaders to provide fresh sureties. 

The court asked the defence to file written submissions within two days and listed the matter for further consideration on October 21 at 2 pm.