Divergent Legal Outcomes for Party Leaders
\n\nCockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was released on conditions on Saturday, October 17, while party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka remained in judicial custody over a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
\n\nPolice sources cited by NDTV stated the key difference in treatment was that Dipke was detained before reaching a planned march in Connaught Place, whereas Das and Ranka allegedly entered the restricted protest site despite police orders.
\n\nDipke was produced before a Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg. The magistrate directed him to furnish a ₹50,000 bond and give an undertaking to maintain peace. He was released from the Mandir Marg police station after the hearing.
\n\nDas and Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14. Their custody period is due to end on Sunday, October 18.
\n\nAllegations of Obstruction and Trespass
\n\nA Delhi Police press note cited that a magistrate recorded a serious apprehension that Das and Ranka could again violate the law or encourage others to do so if released.
\n\nPolice alleged that Das and Ranka entered the Jantar Mantar area through private property and obstructed personnel attempting to stop the gathering.
\n\nCJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh said the members faced allegations including trespass, violation of bond conditions, and obstruction of public servants.
\n\nBackground of Detentions
\n\nThe incident dates back to October 13, when Das, Ranka, Shinde, and 11 other CJP members allegedly entered the Jantar Mantar area to stage a protest. All 14 members were detained.
\n\nAnother CJP member, Ajinkya Shinde, was released after furnishing a personal bond and surety of ₹5,000 with an undertaking to maintain peace for six months.
\n\nThe cases involved preventive provisions under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS