CJP Leaders Face Second FIR, Case Moved to Crime Branch

The Cliff News | 21 October 2026

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has transferred a second First Information Report (FIR) registered against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to its specialized Crime Branch. This unit will now oversee investigations into both cases linked to the activists' alleged unauthorized entry into Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar.

Two separate FIRs were lodged on October 13 following protests by CJP members at these two prominent city locations, reportedly without the necessary official approvals. The transfer of the latest FIR to the Crime Branch signifies a consolidated approach to the ongoing investigations.

Dual Investigations Assigned to Crime Branch

The case concerning the incident at Connaught Place was initially moved to the Crime Branch on Tuesday. The second FIR, pertaining to the events at Jantar Mantar, has now also been handed over to the same unit, according to sources familiar with the matter.

PTI news agency reported that police allege Das, Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde, and 11 other CJP members gained entry into the Jantar Mantar area on October 13 by trespassing through private properties. This area has recently been denotified as a designated protest site by authorities.

Police personnel present at Jantar Mantar intervened, leading to the detention of all 14 individuals. Subsequently, two FIRs were registered against them.

Legal Challenge Against Custody Extension

Meanwhile, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have initiated legal proceedings by approaching the Delhi High Court. They are challenging an order that extended their judicial custody, arguing that their continued detention, despite furnishing sureties, infringes upon their fundamental right to personal liberty.

Their legal representatives have formally challenged the October 19 order issued by a Special Executive Magistrate in the New Delhi district. This order was passed under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

According to their lawyers, the magistrate rejected fresh sureties submitted by the two CJP leaders on October 19. The magistrate also directed them to provide explanations as to why there should not be an apprehension of a breach of peace. The legal team strongly contends that this continued detention is arbitrary and runs counter to established legal principles.

“We have moved the Delhi high court and requested an urgent night hearing. Saurav and Ashutosh should not spend a single minute behind bars. Their liberty must not be curtailed because of political games. Justice must not wait,” said Ratna Singh, CJP legal affairs head, in a post on X.

The CJP leaders are seeking the setting aside of the magistrate's order, asserting that their ongoing detention violates their constitutional right to personal liberty guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

Urgent Hearing Sought Amidst Vacation

The matter is scheduled for consideration by the Delhi High Court on Wednesday. The leaders' legal team had sought an urgent hearing, including a night hearing on Tuesday, given that the High Court remains closed for the Dussehra vacation.

The party has voiced allegations that the bail proceedings have been deliberately protracted, aiming to prevent the release of its two co-convenors. This alleged delay, they argue, is a tactic to keep the leaders in custody.

Chronology of Detentions

The detentions of Das and Ranka commenced on October 10, shortly after their arrival at Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Preventive proceedings were initiated against them the following day.

They were subsequently released on executing bonds of Rs 50,000 each. Their detention was renewed on October 13 after they proceeded to Jantar Mantar carrying the national flag. Following this, they were officially shown as arrested on October 14 under Sections 126 and 170 of the BNSS.

A Special Executive Magistrate had initially remanded the two leaders to five-day judicial custody on October 14 for allegedly breaching peace bonds. Their custody was further extended by two days on Monday, after police requested additional detention, citing ongoing concerns about a potential breach of peace.