Court frees Cockroach Janta Party leaders Das and Ranka after custody extension

A Special Executive Magistrate ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party co‑convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. The magistrate accepted sureties that the duo submitted during the hearing and set them free. They had been kept in judicial custody after being detained for allegedly breaching security by entering the denotified protest site of Jantar Mantar. The entry was part of a protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. Their first detention occurred on October 13 and they were placed in judicial custody on October 14 for a five‑day period. On October 19 the court extended that custody by two days, meaning it was due to end on October 21. Earlier on the same day, the Delhi High Court declined to intervene, advising the men to await the magistrate’s decision and to approach an appellate court if dissatisfied. Police produced the two leaders at the Mandir Marg Police Station before the magistrate. The release follows the submission of sureties and the completion of the extended custody term.

Context

Jantar Mantar is a historic site often used for public demonstrations, and the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has sparked protests in Delhi. The Cockroach Janta Party is a small political group that frequently stages street actions.