CJP Leaders Jailed Amidst Protest Site Clash
Delhi Police arrested CJP leaders for allegedly trespassing and obstructing officers at Jantar Mantar, citing social media incitement and repeated law violations.
The Cliff News | 14 October 2026
Two leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have been remanded to five days of judicial custody in Tihar jail, while another party representative was bound down, following an alleged trespass and obstruction incident at Jantar Mantar.
Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, identified as CJP leaders, were taken into custody for their alleged role in a protest that saw 14 party members entering the Jantar Mantar site, which has been denotified as a designated protest location.
Allegations of Trespass and Obstruction
According to the Delhi Police, the incident occurred on October 13 when Das, Ranka, party representative Ajinkya Shinde, and 11 other CJP members allegedly trespassed into Jantar Mantar through private property. Police personnel on duty intervened to stop the group, but were reportedly obstructed by the protesters while performing their official duties.
DCP (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma stated that the actions were a consequence of "repeated alleged violations of law" and concerns that the individuals might further "disturb public peace and instigate others through social media."
Legal Proceedings and Custody
Following their apprehension, all 14 individuals were initially bound down. However, Ranka, Das, and Shinde were subsequently arrested under relevant preventive legal provisions. Their alleged use of social media to encourage similar unlawful activities was also a significant factor in the police’s decision.
The three were produced before the Special Executive Magistrate (SEM). Proceedings under Sections 126/170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were initiated. The SEM court, after reviewing the kalandra (preventive legal measure) and noting the repeated alleged violations, ordered Das and Ranka to five days of judicial custody, expressing serious apprehension of further law violations and instigation if released on bail.
Ajinkya Shinde was bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months, requiring him to post a personal bond and surety of Rs 5000. Being bound down mandates regular appearance before the investigating officer and requires police notification before leaving the city.
Registered Cases and Charges
Two First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered in connection with the incident. The first FIR, filed at Connaught Place police station, invokes sections related to criminal conspiracy, disobedience to public servant orders, and house-trespass. The second FIR, registered at Parliament Street police station, includes charges of obstructing public servants, assault, and voluntarily causing hurt to deter public servants from their duties, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).