New Delhi, October 20, 2026: The Delhi Police has transferred the alleged trespassing case involving Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to its Crime Branch for further investigation, according to police sources. The development came on Monday, shortly after a court extended their judicial custody by two days.
The case is linked to an incident at Jantar Mantar, where the two leaders allegedly entered the premises without authorisation amid protests against restrictions on demonstrations at the site. The police action followed their detention on October 14.
Case Transferred for Further Investigation
According to reports, the case registered at Connaught Place police station includes charges under Sections 223A, 332 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These provisions relate to disobedience of an order issued by a public servant, house-trespass to commit an offence, and criminal conspiracy, respectively.
A separate FIR registered at Parliament Street police station includes additional allegations relating to obstruction of public servants and offences involving the use of force. The Crime Branch is expected to investigate the matter further.
Judicial Custody Extended by Two Days
On Monday, a Special Executive Magistrate extended the judicial custody of Das and Ranka by two days. The two leaders had initially been remanded to five days of judicial custody following their detention.
Reports also indicated that their lawyers raised concerns after their bail sureties were rejected over an alleged discrepancy in documents. The leaders were expected to be produced before the magistrate again on Wednesday, October 21.
Background: Protest at Jantar Mantar
The incident occurred amid demonstrations linked to concerns over the revision of electoral rolls and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJP members reportedly entered the Jantar Mantar site, raised slogans and waved the national flag. Authorities alleged that the entry violated restrictions in force at the location, which had recently been removed from the list of designated protest sites.
The controversy has brought renewed attention to the balance between the right to peaceful protest and the enforcement of restrictions on access to public spaces. Questions surrounding the circumstances of the alleged entry and the police action are now part of the wider legal proceedings.
What Happens Next?
With the case transferred to the Crime Branch, further investigation will be conducted by the specialised police unit. The next court appearance and subsequent proceedings are expected to provide more clarity on the case.
The allegations against Das and Ranka remain subject to the legal process. The transfer of the investigation does not, by itself, establish guilt.
