Crime Branch Takes Over Trespassing Case Against CJP Leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Sourav Das

CJP Leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Sourav Das’ Jantar Mantar Trespassing Case Shifted to Delhi Crime Branch

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the alleged trespassing case involving Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, police sources said.

The development comes as the two leaders remain lodged in Tihar Jail, with a Delhi court extending their judicial custody until October 21.

Ranka and Das were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14 for allegedly breaching their peace bonds and entering the Jantar Mantar protest area without authorisation.

COURT FLAGS ALLEGED VIOLATION OF PEACE BONDS

The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court held the two leaders responsible for allegedly violating the peace bonds they signed on October 11, 2026. The court observed that they had failed to honour their undertakings to maintain peace.

Expressing concern over repeated attempts to organise protests at locations where demonstrations were not permitted, including Jantar Mantar and Connaught Place, the court said their conduct raised the possibility of further disturbances to public order.

The court also declined to accept their assurances that they would not repeat the alleged violations, citing their previous conduct. It directed both leaders to file written statements within two days.

COURT REJECTS SURETIES OVER DOCUMENT DISCREPANCIES

The court rejected the fresh sureties submitted on behalf of Ranka and Das after finding inconsistencies in their identity documents. It also noted that the individuals standing as sureties could not provide basic details about the two leaders.

Both were directed to furnish fresh sureties. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for October 21 at 2 pm.

CJP LEADERS DETAINED AFTER JANTAR MANTAR PROTEST

Ranka and Das were detained early Tuesday after allegedly crossing barricades and entering the Jantar Mantar area without permission while raising slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Police sources said a case was registered against the activists on charges including trespassing, violation of prohibitory orders, breach of a peace bond and obstruction of a public servant performing official duties.

The two leaders had previously signed bonds undertaking to maintain peace for one year after being detained during a protest on Saturday, according to sources.

PROTESTS AGAINST SIR UNDER SECURITY WATCH

The investigation comes amid heightened security in Delhi following demonstrations by the CJP and other organisations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The protests have centred on allegations of irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alongside demands for the CEC’s resignation.

With the case now under the Crime Branch, the investigation will continue as the court prepares to take up the matter at its next hearing on October 21.