# Mamata Banerjee Slams Extended Custody of Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, Demands Immediate Release

> Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has strongly condemned the extended detention of activists Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, calling the action state-sponsored harassment.

**Type:** article · **Category:** West Bengal · **Published:** 2026-10-20 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/west-bengal/ashutosh-ranka-aura-sourav-das-ki-hirasata-barhane-para-bharakin-mamata-banerjee-turnta-rihai-ki-uthai-manga-49633 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** Mamata Banerjee, Ashutosh Ranka, Sourav Das, Jantar Mantar, Judicial Custody, Crime Branch, Delhi Police

Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced strong indignation over the extension of judicial detention for youth activists Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das. Demanding their prompt discharge from custody, she questioned the functioning of the administrative machinery, stating that democratic ideals are under severe threat and young voices across the country are facing unjust intimidation.

## Sharp Criticism on Social Media
Taking to her official space, she wrote on X that the decision to lengthen the detention of the two youths exposes deep desperation. Describing this tendency as an alarming virus targeting democratic norms, she urged authorities to halt the relentless harassment directed at Gen Z boys and girls who step forward to speak up.

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Condemning the high-handed policing tactics, she maintained that authoritarian measures cannot endure indefinitely. Banerjee remarked, **"This is state-sponsored terrorism."** She reminded those currently holding administrative positions that power is never permanent. Recalling the anti-colonial struggle, she observed that just as past generations exhibited steadfast courage in confronting imperial oppression, citizens today will continue to stand firm to protect their liberties.

## Nationwide Atrocities from Kolkata to Delhi
The former Chief Minister pointed out that from Kolkata to Delhi and Mumbai, administrative excesses have reached unprecedented levels across the country. She expressed confidence that the collective resolve of determined individuals fighting to safeguard democracy and the nation will eventually break down bureaucratic arrogance. She emphasized that anyone genuinely committed to democratic governance should release Ashutosh and Sourav without further delay.

## Hearing Before the Executive Magistrate
The controversy escalated after both Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were brought before the newly appointed Special Executive Magistrate at the Mandir Marg police station on Monday. Following the proceedings, the magistrate ordered their judicial custody to be prolonged by an additional two days. This development unfolded amid allegations that bail applications were deliberately obstructed to delay the freedom of the two co-convenors.

## Origins of the Jantar Mantar Confrontation
The legal action against the duo stems from a demonstration organized at the historic Jantar Mantar protest site in the national capital. Authorities alleged that the organizers disregarded restrictions imposed on public gatherings at the venue. Both activists had reportedly scaled a locked gate to enter the premises, leading police personnel to detain them on the spot.

Following that confrontation, they were placed in judicial custody for five days on 13 October. With the unauthorized entry case now transferred to the Crime Branch for a deeper probe, the legal challenges surrounding the two CJP organizers continue to intensify.

## What this means for you
This case highlights the tightening administrative boundaries around public protests and the serious legal consequences youth activists face for non-compliance.

- **Impact on civil activism:** Breaching restrictions at designated protest zones can immediately trigger criminal detention and protracted custody hearings. Activists and organizations must verify permit guidelines thoroughly before assembling.
- **In Delhi:** Demonstrations around sensitive locations like Jantar Mantar face heightened surveillance where crossing barricades leads straight to Crime Branch inquiries. Visitors and demonstrators must adhere strictly to site regulations to avoid summary arrest.
- **Bail and court delays:** The transfer of cases to specialized investigation units and magistrate courts can extend detention periods significantly. Defense teams need to prepare coordinated bail pleas without relying on routine administrative relief.
- **Youth mobilization:** Young citizens and student organizations must recognize that confrontations with law enforcement can lead to formal criminal records and sustained incarceration. Channeling dissent within clear procedural avenues remains crucial.

## Why this happened
The confrontation arose from a breach of protest protocols at a restricted site in New Delhi, followed by strict police intervention and subsequent political pushback.

- **Direct trigger:** Activists allegedly scaled a locked security gate at Jantar Mantar in violation of protest curbs, prompting police to arrest them immediately. They were initially placed in five days of custody on 13 October before receiving an additional two-day remand.
- **Bail delays:** Supporter groups and critics have alleged that procedural bottlenecks were created at the magistrate court level to prolong the incarceration of the co-convenors.
- **Transfer of probe:** The municipal case was reassigned from the local police station to the specialized Crime Branch, expanding the scope of scrutiny and raising legal pressure.
- **Political escalation:** Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee intervened by publicly branding the custody as targeted state repression against the younger generation.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. What did Mamata Banerjee state regarding Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das?
She termed their prolonged custody an act of state-sponsored harassment and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.

### 2. Why were Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das taken into custody?
They were detained on 13 October for allegedly breaching protest restrictions and climbing over a locked gate at Jantar Mantar.

### 3. What decision was delivered during the Monday court hearing?
A Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg police station extended their judicial custody by two more days.

### 4. Which investigative unit is currently handling the case?
The case regarding unauthorized entry at Jantar Mantar has been officially transferred to the Crime Branch.

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