Delhi Police Arrests CJP Leaders Over Jantar Mantar Entry

UPDATE - follow-up to Anti-CEC protest LIVE | Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde under preventive arrest for trespassing into Jantar Mantar: Delhi Police placed Cockroach Janata Party leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka and Ajinkya Shinde under preventive arrest at the Parliament Street police station. This action follows their detention along with 11 other members for trying to enter Jantar Mantar after it was removed as an official protest site on October 12 under a standing order by Commissioner Anurag Kumar.

Reactions and Charges

Police filed an FIR against the members for criminal trespass, bond violation, and disobeying orders. CJP leader Ajinjya Shinde stated that they only waved the Indian national flag and raised patriotic slogans, claiming the government jailed Saurav Das and Ashutosh for five days. CJP legal head Ratna Singh confirmed the arrests on X, noting charges of obstruction of public duty, while lawyers stated they had not yet received a copy of the FIR from the Connaught Place police station. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi stated that the Congress respects the judiciary and that resistance will triumph. Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded by criticizing Congress reach, stating the party cannot become the voice of the nation simply by gathering a crowd of eight thousand.

Protest Site Crisis

Demonstrations in the capital are now shifted to Ramlila Ground, CBD Ground in East Delhi, and Burari Ground in North Delhi. However, Ramlila Maidan has no free dates for the next two and a half months and is fully booked except for December 29, 30, and 31. The 12-acre ground holds 50,000 people and costs 50,000 rupees per day plus a refundable security deposit of 55,000 rupees, bringing the initial outlay to 1.21 lakh rupees with taxes.

Context

Jantar Mantar has served as the central hub for public demonstrations in New Delhi for decades before authorities recently re-designated protest locations across the capital. Preventive arrests are legal measures taken by police to prevent individuals from committing cognizable offenses when authorities believe a breach of peace is likely.