The Delhi Police Crime Branch will now investigate the unauthorised-entry case involving CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. Their judicial custody has also been extended by 2 days, after a petition seeking their release was heard on Monday.
Ranka and Das were among people detained at Jantar Mantar on 13 October. Police allege that they and supporters entered the prohibited area, raised slogans and took part in a protest without permission. The two leaders were presented before a magistrate on 14 October and were initially sent to jail for 5 days.
The latest court order keeps them in judicial custody for an additional 2 days. The proceedings took place in the SEM court, where a release application had been filed on behalf of the two CJP leaders.
Why the custody was extended
The court found that the two respondents had breached bonds presented before a special executive magistrate on 11 October, after which they allegedly disturbed the peace. Their earlier undertaking involved maintaining peace for 1 year.
Delhi Police argued that Ranka and Das could again mobilise people for a demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Police also said the site had been removed from the notified list of places where protests could be held and raised the possibility of demonstrations at other unauthorised locations.
The magistrate recorded concern about the respondents' regard for the law. The order also referred to allegations that they had repeatedly attempted to organise protests at places not designated for demonstrations. Their assurance that such activity would not recur was not considered sufficient.
The court further said material supporting the police application indicated a possible risk of breach of peace and an impact on public order. It also found inconsistencies in the identity documents submitted by the sureties. The sureties were unable to provide satisfactory identification and basic information, leading the court to direct the respondents to produce new sureties.
Allegations from the Jantar Mantar protest
According to police, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other CJP members reached Jantar Mantar on the morning of 13 October through a private premises. The allegations include breaking barricades and obstructing security personnel in the performance of their duties.
Police also alleged that the protesters raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. A national flag was reportedly displayed during the incident. Police said all 14 people were taken into custody.
The action followed earlier preventive detention involving Das and Ranka. Police said the two had previously signed bonds requiring them to maintain peace for 1 year. The current proceedings concern the alleged unauthorised entry, the protest and related conduct described in the police case.
FIRs registered by Delhi Police
Delhi Police said an FIR was registered at Connaught Place police station on 13 October under Sections 223(a), 332 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A second FIR was registered at Parliament Street police station over alleged obstruction of a public servant, causing injury and other related offences.
Police said preventive action was taken against the three named individuals because of an alleged risk of a breach of public peace and violation of the law. The police also examined allegations that social media was used to encourage others to take part in similar activity.
The transfer to the Crime Branch changes the investigating unit, while the court order means Ranka and Das remain in judicial custody for two more days. The allegations remain part of the ongoing legal proceedings.
Conclusion
The verified development is that the unauthorised-entry investigation has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch, while Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das will remain in judicial custody for two additional days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which agency will investigate the case?
The Delhi Police Crime Branch will investigate the case involving Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das.
Q. Why was their custody extended?
The court extended custody by 2 days after considering the police concerns, alleged bond violations, possible disruption of peace and problems with the sureties' documents.
Q. When were the two leaders detained?
Police detained them at Jantar Mantar on 13 October.
Q. Who else was named in the police account of the incident?
Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other CJP members were also included in the police account of the protest.
Q. How many FIRs were registered?
Delhi Police said FIRs were registered at Connaught Place police station and Parliament Street police station.
Q. What did police allege happened at Jantar Mantar?
Police alleged that protesters entered without permission, broke barricades, obstructed security personnel and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
