FIR Filed Over Alleged Threats to Secure Release of CJP Members Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Says Magistrate

FIR Lodged After Magistrate Reports Threats Over CJP Leaders’ Release; Party Alleges Bail Delays

A Special Executive Magistrate hearing the case against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das has reported receiving threats from unidentified individuals demanding their release, prompting police to register an FIR in New Delhi district, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

The FIR has been filed under provisions relating to criminal intimidation following the magistrate’s complaint, the officer added. Meanwhile, Ranka and Das continued to remain in judicial custody for the fifth consecutive day over allegations of breach of peace, with CJP spokesperson Ratna Singh accusing authorities of intentionally delaying their bail proceedings.

CJP Questions Conduct of Bail Proceedings

Singh alleged that the hearing, scheduled for noon on Sunday, was repeatedly pushed back and did not begin until around 5 pm. She claimed the magistrate informed those present in court that he was receiving threats.

Questioning why the alleged threats had become the focus of the proceedings, Singh accused the authorities of avoiding a decision on the duo’s release by withholding approval of their sureties.

She also said the Public Prosecutor appeared in the case for the first time on Sunday since the arrests. However, according to Singh, the discussion in court centred largely on the threatening messages rather than the bail applications.

The CJP spokesperson said the party would consult its legal team and decide what action to take next.

Magistrate’s Order Refers to Alleged Violation of Peace Bond

Ranka and Das were remanded to five days of judicial custody under an order issued by the Special Executive Magistrate on October 14. The order recorded that their legal team had not initially furnished sureties.

The magistrate cited the alleged past conduct of the two leaders, stating that they had violated lawful directions issued by the authorities. The order further expressed concern that their subsequent conduct could lead to a breach of peace and tranquillity in the area.

It also referred to an alleged violation of a bond executed under Section 136 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), citing their conduct, social media posts and the complainant’s statement.

Police Allege Trespass at Jantar Mantar

The proceedings follow an incident on October 13, when 14 people, including Ranka, Das and CJP national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde, allegedly entered Jantar Mantar through a narrow lane behind the Janata Dal (United) office.

Police said the group climbed over a locked iron gate to access the site, which had been denotified as a designated protest location two days earlier. The group allegedly unfurled the Tricolour and raised slogans before police detained its members.

In its account of the incident, Delhi Police alleged that the group had trespassed through private premises to reach Jantar Mantar despite the restrictions in place.

Police further claimed that CJP members had surveyed the area on the night of October 12 to identify an entry route. The site was reportedly under heavy barricading and security after its denotification.

A police officer alleged that members of the group jostled with personnel who attempted to stop them and obstructed officers in the discharge of their duties.

Two Separate Police Cases Filed

Two cases were registered in connection with the incident. The first was lodged at Connaught Place police station under provisions concerning disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, house trespass and criminal conspiracy.

The second case was registered at Parliament Street police station.

Police said Ranka, Das and Shinde were arrested under relevant preventive provisions, citing alleged repeated attempts to disturb public peace and violate the law. Authorities also referred to the leaders’ alleged social media posts encouraging others to engage in similar activities.

While police have cited public-order concerns to justify the action, CJP has questioned the handling of the bail proceedings and alleged that the authorities are deliberately prolonging the detention of its leaders. The FIR over the magistrate’s reported threats adds a further development to the case.