New Delhi, 22 October (H.S.): The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde in connection with a case involving alleged unauthorised entry at Jantar Mantar and violations of official orders.

According to preliminary information, the case relates to a protest held at Jantar Mantar on October 13, following which the Delhi Police registered two separate first information reports (FIRs). The investigation has since been transferred to the Crime Branch.

On October 13, Das, Ranka, Shinde and 11 other CJP members reached Jantar Mantar to participate in the protest. The police alleged that the demonstrators entered the area through a private premises route and accessed a location that had not been designated as an authorised protest site. Police personnel attempted to stop them, but, according to the police, the protesters allegedly crossed barricades and obstructed officers from performing their official duties. The demonstrators also reportedly unfurled the national flag and raised slogans during the incident. All 14 individuals were subsequently detained, and two separate FIRs were registered.

The first FIR was registered at Connaught Place Police Station in New Delhi. It includes allegations under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to disobedience of an order duly promulgated by a public servant; Section 332, concerning house-trespass with the intent to commit an offence; and Section 61(2), relating to criminal conspiracy.

The second FIR was registered at Parliament Street Police Station. It concerns allegations of obstructing police personnel in the discharge of their duties, assaulting them and causing injuries.

The Delhi Police has transferred the investigation into both cases to the Crime Branch. Investigators are examining the activities that took place during the protest and the allegations arising from the incident.

Prior to the Jantar Mantar incident, Das and Ranka had also been detained on October 10 in connection with another protest. Both had furnished bonds undertaking to maintain peace for a period of one year.

Following the October 13 incident, the police alleged that the two leaders had breached their earlier assurances. On October 14, they were remanded to judicial custody for five days, and their custody was subsequently extended by another two days. Shinde, meanwhile, was released on a personal bond of Rs 5,000, subject to conditions relating to the maintenance of peace.

The CJP has described the arrests and detention of its members as unlawful. The party also questioned the procedures concerning sureties and indicated that it would challenge the court’s order. The police, however, maintain that the action was taken to preserve law and order and address the alleged violations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar