Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief spokesperson Saurav Das, national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, and national organization in-charge Ajinkya Shinde after they scaled the locked gates to stage an unauthorized protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Background and Context
The incident unfolded following a controversial policy change by authorities that officially denotified Jantar Mantar as a designated protest venue. Based on recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union Home Ministry, the historical site—long a central hub for demonstrations in the national capital—lost its status, with authorities moving to designate alternative protest locations such as Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground, and CBD Ground in east Delhi.
The decision came amid heightened political tensions and protests led by opposition groups and the CJP targeting Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral roll controversies.
The Breach and Detainment
Despite heavy police fortification and locked gates at the venue, CJP leaders and supporters managed to bypass security. Video footage shared online by Ashutosh Ranka captured members climbing the barricades and entering the premises carrying the national flag.
Before being taken into custody by police personnel stationed at the site, Saurav Das declared on social media that the group had "reclaimed" Jantar Mantar, urging young supporters to continue their campaign.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke condemned the detentions and the removal of Jantar Mantar as a protest venue, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the administration's actions reflect an attempt to suppress democratic dissent, warning that "Jantar Mantars will now emerge across the country."
