Delhi Police Summons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to Crime Branch Office

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to its Rajouri Garden office for questioning in connection with cases related to a protest at Jantar Mantar. The development comes a day after the two leaders were released from Tihar Jail following seven days in judicial custody. According to reports, the leaders have been asked to appear before investigators to record their statements. CJP member Ajinkya Shinde has also reportedly been summoned as part of the ongoing investigation.

The cases stem from a protest held on October 13, during which CJP members demonstrated against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Police alleged that protesters crossed barricades and entered an area that was not officially designated for demonstrations.

Two cases were registered in connection with the incident at Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations. Both cases were subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The allegations include trespassing, disobedience of official orders and obstruction involving police personnel.

Das and Ranka were released from Tihar Jail on Wednesday after a Special Executive Magistrate accepted their personal and surety bonds and recorded their undertakings to maintain peace and comply with the law. They were reportedly directed to furnish bonds of ₹50,000 each and adhere to the conditions imposed during the proceedings. The leaders' protest focused on concerns surrounding the revision of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner. The SIR process involves reviewing voter lists, making electoral eligibility and the inclusion of eligible voters important issues in the political debate.

The latest summons indicates that the investigation into the Jantar Mantar incident remains ongoing despite the leaders' release from custody. Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the protest and record statements from those involved. The summons does not establish guilt, and the allegations remain subject to investigation and legal proceedings. Further developments will depend on the evidence gathered by the Crime Branch and the subsequent course of the cases.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from TOI.