Politics · India · 1 hr ago
Two Cockroach Janta Party leaders released from Delhi jail
Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from Tihar Jail in New Delhi after more than a week in custody.
They had been detained after crossing barricades at Jantar Mantar, a protest site, and demanding the resignation of India’s chief election commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar.
A magistrate granted their release after accepting sureties, and the two pledged not to call further demonstrations at the site.
Their protest was part of a wider campaign against an overhaul of India’s voter rolls, which has drawn opposition parties and student unions.
The changes removed millions of people from draft voter lists, while the Election Commission has denied wrongdoing.
The release does not end the campaign or their legal cases: an inquiry is continuing, and the pair are due back before the magistrate on October 23.
Farmers’ groups have called for nationwide protests on that date, and the Congress party has permission to hold a Delhi rally on November 1.
Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were released from Tihar Jail in New Delhi on Oct 21 after more than a week in custody.
A special executive magistrate ordered their release after accepting sureties, and the pair pledged not to call further demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
They had been detained after crossing barricades at the protest site and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The two appeared in a video after their release and again called for Kumar to resign.
An inquiry into their conduct is continuing, and they are due back before the magistrate on Oct 23.
- Who
- Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
- What
- They were released from Tihar Jail after a special executive magistrate accepted sureties.
- When
- Late on Oct 21, after more than a week in custody.
- Where
- Tihar Jail in New Delhi; they had been detained at Jantar Mantar.
- Why
- They were detained after crossing barricades at Jantar Mantar and allegedly violating peace bonds and trespassing at the site.
Cockroach Janta Party leaders and protesters
Authorities and the Election Commission
Protest demand
Cockroach Janta Party leaders and protesters
Das and Ranka have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the voter-roll update.
Authorities and the Election Commission
Senior members of the Bharatiya Janata Party have defended the Election Commission, which has denied wrongdoing.
Protests and detention
Cockroach Janta Party leaders and protesters
The CJP and opposition groups have protested the voter-roll changes; CJP’s head of legal affairs welcomed the leaders’ release.
Authorities and the Election Commission
Authorities detained the leaders over alleged peace-bond violations and trespassing, and imposed restrictions on protests.
Das and Ranka were detained after crossing barricades at Jantar Mantar.
They were remanded to five days of judicial custody.
Their custody was extended by two days.
A special executive magistrate ordered their release after accepting sureties.
Das and Ranka are due back before the magistrate.
- Released
- Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka
- Prison
- Tihar Jail, New Delhi
- Release date
- Oct 21
- Detention site
- Jantar Mantar
- Next magistrate appearance
- Oct 23
- Protest demand
- Resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar
4 sources
CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka summoned by Delhi Police day after release
India voter roll protests: ‘Cockroach’ movement leaders released from jail
'Saurav, Ashu much bigger leaders than me': Abhijeet Dipke on CJP members' release
What people are saying
There were delays, but today, finally, these boys are out
Now that they’re out, we’re all happy about it, we welcome the decision
Saurav and Ashu are not just better but much much bigger leaders than me.
Then you are not Gen Z. What is Gen Z?
Posts on X
VIDEO | Delhi: "Truth has triumphed," says CJP leader Saurav Das after special executive magistrate orders release of him and Ashutosh Ranka. (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) #Delhi
Saurav and Ashu are not just better but much much bigger leaders than me. Happy to follow your orders my leaders. Jaan hazir hai! Lekin iske baad mere bina garden me koi akela nahi ghumega!!! @SauravDassss @AshutoshRanka