CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka released from custody after Jantar Mantar protest pledge

Police detained 27-year-old Saurav Das and 31-year-old Ashutosh Ranka on October 14, 2026, after they scaled the locked gates of Jantar Mantar. Authorities held the pair in judicial custody for seven days.

1. Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka left judicial custody on October 21, 2026, following a seven-day detention. The two leaders secured their release from the Mandir Marg police station by posting Rs 50,000 bonds. They are now free to resume their activities outside of state custody.

2. The petitioners filed a petition with the Delhi High Court on October 20, 2026. They challenged the extension of their judicial remand while the court was closed for the Dussehra vacation. This filing contests the legality of their ongoing detention.

1. The condition for release requires Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to refrain from calling for protests at Jantar Mantar. This pledge effectively limits the political expression of the Cockroach Janta Party at a site they previously targeted for demonstration. The restriction directly impacts the group's ability to utilize this specific location for future public dissent.

2. The initial arrest on October 14, 2026, stemmed from the Delhi Police's October 11, 2026, decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site. By scaling the locked gates, the leaders were protesting this administrative change. The current situation underscores the ongoing tension between authorities and activists regarding access to traditional protest spaces in the capital.

3. The Cockroach Janta Party alleged that officials intentionally delayed bail proceedings to keep their leaders in custody. The party cited procedural friction between the detainees and authorities. On October 19, 2026, a special executive magistrate extended the judicial custody. This decision postponed the potential release.

4. Protesters shouted slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. This action highlighted the political nature of the demonstration. The confrontation with election authorities increased the political sensitivity of the incident. The subsequent detention and legal battle reflect a broader conflict between party tactics and official state responses.