Delhi Police take Cockroach Janta Party members into custody following Jantar Mantar protest

Arrests And Charges

Delhi Police have taken three Cockroach Janta Party members into custody following a protest at Jantar Mantar. The party's legal head, Ratna Singh, stated that co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, along with national organisation in-charge Ajinkya Shinde, were placed under arrest on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. According to police officials cited by agencies, the action involves preventive custody following an earlier breach. Ms. Singh detailed on social media that the police leveled accusations including trespass, bond violation, and blocking public officials from doing their duty.

Protest And Background

The police registered a First Information Report against Mr. Das, Mr. Ranka, and other group members on Tuesday evening after they entered the heavily barricaded Jantar Mantar area without permission. The activists scaled the locked gates of the venue earlier in the day. This protest occurred a day after authorities removed Jantar Mantar's status as a designated protest site. Once inside, the demonstrators displayed the Tricolour and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Following the breach, police detained the individuals and took them to the Parliament Street Police Station.

Context

Jantar Mantar in New Delhi has historically served as a prominent site for public demonstrations and protests. Authorities frequently regulate access to such public spaces using prohibitory orders and barricades to maintain law and order. Preventive custody is a legal measure police use to detain individuals to stop a potential breach of the peace or further offences.