A local Special Executive Magistrate court in Mandir Marg is expected to deliver its order today regarding the release plea submitted by Cockroach Janata Party leaders Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Both political figures are currently serving a five-day judicial custody term in jail following preventive legal action taken against them earlier this week.
Unauthorized Entry and Sloganeering Triggered Custodial Action
The events leading to their custody occurred on October 13, when Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were taken into preventive arrest for unlawfully stepping into the Jantar Mantar area without mandatory permissions. Joined by supporters belonging to their political outfit, the individuals breached security by scaling the perimeter wall and jumping over the gate of an adjacent private compound to reach the demonstration zone. Once inside, the group started shouting slogans demanding the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Law enforcement authorities promptly responded by booking the individuals under multiple legal provisions, citing forced intrusion, violation of prohibitive orders, breach of previously signed peace bond agreements, and obstructing public servants from discharging their official responsibilities. Following their apprehension, the duo was brought before the Special Executive Magistrate court, which remanded both Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to jail for a period of five days. Meanwhile, their associate Ajinkya Shinde secured release after providing a personal bond of 5,000 rupees alongside an undertaking to maintain good behavior and public peace for six months.
Police Account of Protocol Breaches and Security Obstruction
In an official statement detailing the incident, the Delhi Police explained that on the morning of October 13, Sourav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde, and 11 other members linked to the organization slipped into Jantar Mantar by routing their movement through private premises. The police pointed out that the iconic landmark has already been removed from the roster of designated protest venues in the capital.
According to the police version, deployed security personnel attempted to halt the group at the spot, but the demonstrators actively disrupted law enforcement efforts and hindered official duties. Consequently, all 14 individuals involved in the intrusion were rounded up by police teams. Authorities noted that the preventive detention and subsequent formal arrests of Das, Ranka, and Shinde were carried out precisely to avert potential breakdowns in public tranquility and to uphold established legal mandates.
Founder Abhijeet Dipke Granted Bail Amid Escalating Scrutiny
Parallel to these proceedings, Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke secured bail from the SEM court in a related preventive enforcement matter. Dipke was intercepted and placed under preventive arrest by police personnel shortly before his scheduled participation in the proposed 'Lehra Do Tiranga' march at Connaught Place. Legal proceedings against Dipke had been initiated under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita on allegations concerning the disruption of public peace.
This episode marks a continuation of ongoing tensions between the political outfit and law enforcement agencies. Earlier on October 10, Abhijeet Dipke, Sourav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka were detained at the Delhi airport while en route to take part in an organized protest. At that time, a separate case of breach of peace had been registered, culminating in all three leaders executing a bond pledging to maintain public tranquility for a full duration of one year.
