A Day After Tihar Release, CJP’s Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Summoned in Jantar Mantar Case

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde for questioning in connection with the October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar. The three have been asked to appear at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden at noon on Thursday, a day after Das and Ranka were released from Tihar Jail following a week in judicial custody. The summons comes after Delhi Police transferred two cases related to the protest to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The cases concern allegations of trespassing into a restricted protest area, disobeying police orders and obstructing public servants.

Why Were CJP Leaders Summoned by Delhi Police?

The investigation relates to an October 13 demonstration during which CJP members allegedly entered Jantar Mantar despite the site having been denotified as a designated protest venue. According to police accounts, Das, Ranka, Shinde and 11 other party members allegedly entered the area through private premises after encountering barricades. The group unfurled the national flag and raised slogans before police detained all 14 members. CJP Activists Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Undertake Not to Make Any Protest Call at Jantar Mantar.

Two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident, one at Connaught Place police station and the other at Parliament Street police station. Both cases have since been transferred to the Crime Branch. The allegations include trespassing, disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, criminal conspiracy and obstruction of police personnel. The precise charges differ between the two FIRs.

Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Released From Tihar Jail

The summons came a day after Das and Ranka walked out of Tihar Jail on October 21. They had been in judicial custody since October 14 following proceedings initiated over alleged breaches of peace bonds. A Special Executive Magistrate ordered their release after accepting personal bonds and sureties of Rs 50,000 each, along with written undertakings to maintain peace and public tranquillity.

The two leaders also undertook not to call for protests at Jantar Mantar while it remains denotified in accordance with law. Their release did not bring the criminal investigation into the October 13 incident to a close. CJP member Ajinkya Shinde had been released earlier on a personal bond and surety of Rs 5,000 each, according to reports. CJP Activists Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Walk out of Tihar Jail.

What Was the Jantar Mantar Protest About?

The CJP demonstration was organised to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The party has raised concerns over the revision exercise and the deletion of voters' names. The allegations form the political backdrop to the protest; the police cases concern the alleged entry into the denotified site and related conduct.

The latest summons marks a further step in the Crime Branch's investigation. The allegations against the CJP leaders remain subject to the ongoing legal process.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 22, 2026 11:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).