CJP Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Lodged in Separate Tihar Jail Cells
The two leaders have been remanded to five days of judicial custody following their arrest over entering the recently denotified Jantar Mantar protest site.
New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been lodged in separate cells at Tihar Jail after a Delhi court remanded them to five days of judicial custody in connection with their entry into Jantar Mantar, which is no longer a designated protest venue.
According to prison officials cited in media reports, the two leaders were placed in separate cells for security reasons. Das has been lodged in Jail No. 2, while Ranka has been placed in Jail No. 4. Security personnel have reportedly been deployed near their cells to monitor their safety.
A prison official said the leaders would receive the same basic facilities as other undertrial prisoners, including regular meals and blankets. Reports also said their movements within the prison would be restricted for security reasons.
The two leaders were detained on Tuesday, October 13, after allegedly entering the Jantar Mantar protest area with other CJP members. According to police sources, the group entered through premises adjoining the Janata Dal (United) office, crossed a boundary gate and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police have alleged that the leaders violated prohibitory orders, breached earlier peace bonds and obstructed public servants. The case follows the authorities’ decision to remove Jantar Mantar from the list of designated protest sites and direct demonstrations to alternative venues.
During their stay in Tihar, the leaders reportedly told prison staff that they were fighting to protect democracy. Their detention comes amid protests by CJP, opposition parties and civil society groups over the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls and allegations of irregularities in the voter list revision process.
The Election Commission has maintained that the revision exercise is intended to improve electoral roll accuracy, while opposition groups have raised concerns about the possible exclusion of eligible voters.