Delhi Police Arrests Cockroach Janta Party Leaders for Trespassing at Jantar Mantar

In a significant turn of events, leaders from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das, and Ajinkya Shinde, were apprehended by Delhi Police for allegedly trespassing at Jantar Mantar, a prominent site for protests in the capital. The incident has raised questions about the government’s stance on public demonstrations, especially after the area was reportedly denotified as an official protest venue.

According to Ratna Singh, the head of legal affairs for the CJP campaign, the trio, along with other campaign members, staged a protest at the site on Tuesday. Their actions were reportedly in response to the authorities’ decision to restrict the use of Jantar Mantar for demonstrations. Singh indicated that the leaders faced additional charges for violating a legal bond and for obstructing public officials during the incident.

This development follows a recent episode where Ranka, Das, and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke were detained after arriving in Delhi by flight. This detention occurred just prior to their planned protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A magistrate court had earlier ordered their release under the condition of maintaining public order for one year.

As the situation unfolds, the arrested leaders are set to be presented before a magistrate on Wednesday morning. Singh hinted at the possibility of judicial custody, suggesting that the leaders might be placed in Tihar Jail. She expressed concern over the treatment of the detained leaders, noting that they were not allowed to consult with their lawyers until late at night and were transported to Parliament Street police station in a private vehicle at 3 AM. Despite these challenges, Singh claimed that the leaders remain optimistic and determined.

The Cockroach Janta Party’s actions highlight a growing tension between the government and political activists in India, especially concerning the right to protest. As public spaces for demonstrations are increasingly restricted, questions around free speech and the right to assembly come to the forefront of India’s political discourse. This incident at Jantar Mantar serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by various political groups in the country as they seek to voice their concerns.

Source: scroll.in