Hyderabad, Oct. 21: A Special Executive Magistrate in Delhi has ordered the release of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka after seven days in judicial custody.
The two leaders were detained after entering Jantar Mantar and waving national flags on October 13. The protest challenged the withdrawal of the venue’s designated protest-site status.
The prosecution alleged that their actions violated a peace bond they had signed after their detention on October 10. They were sent to judicial custody on October 14.
Their initial five-day custody was extended by two days on Monday. The magistrate ordered their release on Wednesday evening after accepting their sureties and peace bonds.
Delhi High Court Raises Concerns Over Protest
Before the release order, the Delhi High Court heard a petition challenging the extension of their custody. The CJP leaders had alleged that proceedings were being deliberately delayed to prevent their release.
During the hearing, the court highlighted the alleged breach of the peace bond. It also referred to protests abroad that had escalated into violence, arson and the burning of buildings.
The bench warned that breaking barricades could encourage others to follow, including people the protesters might not be able to control.
The court also asked about the leaders’ ages and their reasons for protesting. When told that Ranka was 27 and Das was 31, it remarked that they did not belong to Generation Z.
The bench observed that the earlier protests concerned examination paper leaks, including the NEET leak. However, the current agitation focused on different political demands.
CJP has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and criticised the Chief Election Commissioner’s functioning.
Magistrate Rejects Further Custody Request
During the hearing before the magistrate, Delhi Police sought three additional days of judicial custody for the two leaders.
After hearing both sides, the magistrate reserved the order. The release order was issued after 6 pm, with the magistrate accepting their sureties and peace bonds.
CJP was founded by Abhijeet Dipke. The organisation has previously campaigned against alleged examination paper leaks and is now protesting over electoral-roll revision issues. (Maxim News)
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