New Delhi, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are set to be released from custody after a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) on Wednesday ordered their release in connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case.
The two activists were brought to Mandir Marg Police Station for proceedings before the SEM following the expiry of their previous custody. CJP Legal Affairs Head Ratna Singh was also present at the police station ahead of the proceedings.
Earlier in the day, the Delhi High Court allowed Das and Ranka to withdraw their petition challenging the SEM’s order extending their custody and seeking their release. Justice Subramonium Prasad permitted the withdrawal without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case.
The court had suggested that the activists await the SEM proceedings before pursuing an appropriate legal remedy, observing that further proceedings before the High Court would serve no purpose if they secured relief from the magistrate.
The development follows an earlier order by SEM Ritu Raj extending their custody until October 21. The magistrate had cited concerns about a possible breach of peace and disturbance of public tranquillity, recording allegations that the two had violated bonds furnished before the SEM in South-West District on October 11.
The order had also directed them to furnish fresh sureties after an inquiry found their earlier sureties unfit.
Das and Ranka, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, were among 14 people detained on October 13 after allegedly entering Jantar Mantar through private premises and obstructing police personnel from performing their duties.
The activists were protesting alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and raised slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delhi Police had opposed their release, arguing that their alleged repeated violations of the law and the possibility of further disturbances warranted continued custody.
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