Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das Still in Tihar Jail After Threat Claims Delay Release

Release Delayed

Leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das of the Cockroach Janata Party remain in Tihar Jail following fresh legal hurdles over a threat made to a Special Executive Magistrate. Delhi Police registered an FIR against unknown individuals after the magistrate at Mandir Marg received threatening messages linked to the pending bail hearings. CJP legal head Ratna Singh stated that all formalities, including guarantor verification and fixed deposit approvals, were fully completed by Sunday afternoon. When proceedings finally began around 5:30 PM after hours of waiting, the public prosecutor raised the issue of threatening messages instead of discussing bail on merit. CJP argued that an outside message should not block the personal freedom of jailed leaders and demanded action against the sender rather than delaying their release.

Background and Arrests

Ashutosh and Sourav have been held in Tihar Jail since October 14 following multiple detentions connected to protests organised by the party. The group had planned a demonstration at Jantar Mantar to demand the resignation of Gyanesh Kumar and protest against SIR, leading police to detain party founder Abhijit Dipke, Sourav, and Ashutosh at the Delhi airport on October 10. Although initially granted bail on personal bonds, Ashutosh and Sourav reached Jantar Mantar on October 13 carrying the tricolor, prompting another detention. CJP later organised a Tricicolor March at Connaught Place on October 16, resulting in three separate FIRs filed by Delhi Police against participants including Dipke, AISA president Neha Bora, and AAP leaders for allegedly breaking rules and blocking roads.

Context

Special Executive Magistrates in Delhi possess specific powers under the criminal procedure code to handle preventive detention and maintain public peace during protests or unrest. Bail processes often involve strict verification of local sureties and financial documents, which can lead to extended custody when disputes arise between legal teams and authorities over administrative compliance.