Delhi Police places CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka under preventive arrest in Jantar Mantar case

The police action follows an FIR registered against them on charges including criminal trespass, violation of a bond and disobedience of orders among others, officials said.

Updated - October 14, 2026 07:52 am IST

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka arrive at the Parliament Street Police Station regarding permission and security clearance for party demonstrations, in New Delhi, Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

The Delhi Police on Wednesday (October 14, 2026) placed Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka under preventive arrest at the Parliament Street police station, a day after they were detained along with 12 other party members while attempting to enter Jantar Mantar, which was de-notified as a designated protest site on Monday (October 12).

The police action follows an FIR registered against them on charges including criminal trespass, violation of a bond and disobedience of orders among others, officials said.

Mr. Das, Mr. Ranka and CJP member Abhijeet Dipke had been detained by the police at the Indira Gandhi International Airport on October 10, ahead of the party’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar. They were subsequently released after furnishing surety bonds of ₹50,000 each and undertaking to maintain peace and good behaviour for one year.

A peace bond is an undertaking given to authorities to ensure that a person maintains peace and good behaviour for a stipulated period. If the person is found to have violated its conditions, the police can bring the matter before a Magistrate, who may order further legal action, including detention, in accordance with the law.

The latest action comes after 14 CJP members, including Mr. Das, Mr. Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde, were detained on Tuesday while attempting to enter Jantar Mantar.

A video posted by Mr. Dipke on X on Tuesday morning showed the members jumping over barricades and holding the national flag near Jantar Mantar, while raising slogans of “Bharat Mata ki Jai”.

Reacting to the video, a senior Delhi Police officer said the protesters had entered the area through eateries and food stalls near the protest site which are accessible to the public.

The arrests come amid heightened security in Central Delhi following a series of protests by the CJP and other organisations against alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Further investigation into the case is underway.

Published - October 14, 2026 06:34 am IST

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