The duo were detained after allegedly entering denotified protest site Jantar Mantar, prompting CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to accuse the Centre of crushing dissent.
New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody and lodged in Tihar Jail on Wednesday after allegedly trespassing into Jantar Mantar and violating peace bonds, police sources said.
Police said 14 CJP members, including Das, Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, entered the denotified protest site on Tuesday and raised slogans demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation. Two cases were registered over alleged trespassing, violation of prohibitory orders and obstruction of public servants.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma said a Special Executive Magistrate remanded Das and Ranka to judicial custody, citing repeated alleged violations and concerns that they could repeat the acts if released. Shinde was bound over to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months on a personal bond and surety of Rs 5,000.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the action, saying the leaders’ alleged offence was “unfurling the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar” and accusing the government of suppressing dissent.
The action comes amid protests over alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls. Delhi Police recently designated Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternative protest venues, withdrawing Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated demonstration site.
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