New Delhi. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to five-day judicial custody for allegedly entering the restricted area without permission during the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. On Wednesday, the Special Executive Magistrate ordered to send both the leaders into custody. At the same time, the third leader arrested in the case, Ajinkya Shinde, was granted bail. This action comes amid demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.
This action has intensified the discussion in political circles amid the dispute between Delhi Police and protesters regarding permission to protest at Jantar Mantar. Police allege that CJP leaders broke the barricade and entered the area, which had been removed from the list of designated protest sites. However, the lawyer appearing for the leaders has challenged the allegations, questioning the police action.
Allegation of breaking barricade and entering restricted area
According to the information received, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde were detained on Tuesday for allegedly entering the Jantar Mantar area without permission. It is alleged that the three leaders broke the barricade and entered the place where the demonstration was no longer allowed.
During the protest, CJP leaders raised the issue of alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of Voters List or SIR and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. After this the police took action against him.
During the hearing of the case on Wednesday, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for five days, while Ajinkya Shinde got bail. After the order to send both the leaders into custody, this is being considered a big blow for CJP.
CJP’s lawyer raised questions on police action
Representing the CJP leaders, their lawyer Abhisht Hele raised serious questions on the police action. He alleged that the police took action to send the leaders into custody only on the basis of apprehension that they might commit some crime in future.
According to the lawyer, the police claimed before the court that the three leaders had appealed to the general public to gather at that place. He termed this claim as false and said that the leaders had not made any such appeal.
The lawyer also said that the CJP leaders did not violate the conditions of the bail bond. He objected to the arguments of the police and raised questions on the basis of the action. In this way, a dispute has emerged between the allegations of the police and the arguments of the defense in the case.
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained earlier also
Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were also detained earlier on Saturday during a demonstration in Delhi. At that time both of them had filled a bond to maintain peace for one year.
Despite this, both were detained again on Tuesday for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar without permission. Now a controversy has arisen regarding the police action and the bond paid earlier. CJP’s lawyer says the leaders did not violate the bond conditions, while the police action was taken in a case related to the alleged re-protest.
Jantar Mantar removed from the list of protest sites
A major reason for controversy regarding the protest at Jantar Mantar is the recent order of Delhi Police. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar had issued an order on October 11 declaring Ramlila Maidan, Burari Maidan and CBD Maidan as designated sites for protests and public meetings.
Under this order, Jantar Mantar was removed from the list of designated protest sites. After this, questions have started being raised regarding permission to protest there. In this background, CJP leaders have been accused of entering the area without permission.
Jantar Mantar has been a major center of protests for various political and social organizations for a long time. In such a situation, after the decision to remove it from the list of designated protest sites, the issue of conflict between the protesters and the police has come into discussion.
Demonstration demanding resignation of SIR and Chief Election Commissioner
The main issue of CJP’s performance was the Special Intensive Revision of Voter List (SIR). Party leaders were demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleging irregularities in the process.
Slogans were raised regarding this demand during the demonstration. However, different sides have come forward regarding allegations of irregularities in the SIR and police action. While the CJP is calling the protest a part of its political protest, the police have made the alleged entry into the restricted area the basis for action.
At present, the matter is in discussion after Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to judicial custody for five days and Ajinkya Shinde got bail. The further legal process is expected to clarify the police allegations and defense arguments.