CJP Alleges Delay in Release of Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka as 4 Sureties Are Rejected (Video)

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has alleged that procedural delays and the rejection of four sureties have held up the release of its leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, who are in judicial custody at Delhi’s Tihar Jail. The party’s legal team questioned the functioning of the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) proceedings, while Delhi Police had cited concerns over repeated alleged violations of law to justify their detention.

According to CJP legal team head Ratna Singh, the release proceedings on Sunday, October 18, were delayed because the Special Executive Magistrate had not arrived at the scheduled time. Singh also alleged that four sureties were rejected on vague grounds, prolonging the process despite the submission of documents required for the leaders’ release. CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Vows to Continue Legal Battle, Says ‘Will Neither Be Intimidated Nor Back Down’.

CJP Questions Delay in Release Proceedings

In a post on X, Singh said she had been waiting at Mandir Marg police station since 11 am, while the hearing was scheduled for noon. She alleged that the Assistant Commissioner of Police, acting as the SEM, had not arrived by 4.42 pm. Singh further claimed that four sureties had been rejected on unclear grounds and alleged that individuals with FIRs linked to protests were being treated as having criminal antecedents.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also accused the authorities of deliberately delaying the release of Das and Ranka. He alleged that procedural hurdles were being used to keep the two leaders in custody despite the party’s claim that there were no legal grounds for their continued detention. There was no immediate response from the police to these specific allegations, according to The New Indian Express.

Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Sent to Five-Day Judicial Custody

Das and Ranka were arrested on October 14 after allegedly entering the Jantar Mantar protest area in Delhi without permission on October 13. Police said the site had been removed from the list of designated protest venues and accused the group of violating restrictions and obstructing police personnel. BJP Questions Congress Over ‘Regime Change’ Claims, Alleges Payments to Delhi Protesters.

The two CJP leaders were subsequently sent to five days of judicial custody at Tihar Jail. Delhi Police cited alleged repeated violations of law and apprehensions that they could disturb public peace or encourage others to violate restrictions if released. CJP has disputed the authorities’ handling of the case and maintained that the detention and subsequent release process raise concerns over personal liberty.

CJP Warns of Legal Action Over Continued Detention

The party had earlier said it consulted senior advocate Kapil Sibal and warned of legal action against officials if Das and Ranka were not released. CJP argued that administrative procedures should not be used to prolong their detention. In another post, Singh said that unfurling the national flag should not be treated as a crime and argued that the two leaders should not remain in custody because of procedural delays.

The allegations have added to the ongoing confrontation between CJP and the authorities over restrictions on demonstrations in the national capital. The dispute follows protests demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties and protesters have questioned the voter-list revision process, while the Election Commission has denied allegations of bias.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 18, 2026 08:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).