New Delhi, 14 October (H.S.): Three Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, have been placed under preventive arrest following a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital. They face charges related to alleged trespassing, violation of peace bond conditions and obstruction of a public official in the discharge of duty.

The three were detained early Tuesday after allegedly crossing police barricades and entering Jantar Mantar, where they raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They were subsequently booked in connection with the incident.

The leaders were produced before a magistrate at Mandir Marg around 8 am. According to the report, they had previously been released after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and undertaking not to become involved in any breach-of-peace case for one year. The latest proceedings involve allegations of violating those conditions.

CJP legal team head Ratna Singh confirmed the arrests in a post on X. She alleged that the three leaders were denied access to their lawyers until late at night and were taken to Parliament Street Police Station around 3 am in a private vehicle. She also said they were expected to be produced before the Special Executive Magistrate's court and could face judicial custody.

The arrests come amid protests by the CJP and other opposition groups against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Security arrangements have been tightened in parts of Delhi in connection with the demonstrations.

On October 11, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued an order designating Ramlila Maidan, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as venues for protests and demonstrations. Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of approved protest locations.

The CJP has opposed the decision, arguing that shifting demonstrations away from central Delhi would reduce their public visibility and impact.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar