CJP Leaders Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Detained After Jumping Gate To Enter Jantar Mantar
(CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained by Delhi Police on Tuesday after allegedly jumping over a gate to enter Jantar Mantar, which was recently removed from the list of designated protest venues. CJP worker Ajinkya Shinde and several other supporters were also taken into custody.
The incident took place amid an ongoing standoff between the party and Delhi Police over permission to organise a demonstration against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
CJP Leaders Share Videos Of Entry On Social Media
Before his detention, Ranka posted a video on X showing him, Das and other CJP supporters climbing over a gate to enter the Jantar Mantar premises. He captioned the video, “Hands Off Jantar Mantar!”
According to the available details, the group entered the area from the side of the Janata Dal (United) office near the protest site. Police subsequently detained those who had entered the premises.
Das also shared a video showing supporters raising slogans of “Inquilab Zindabad” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as police personnel detained them.
In his post, Das declared that the group had reclaimed Jantar Mantar and described the action as a message to young people. He wrote that they had entered the premises but were being detained, adding, “Gyanu, you’re done bro!”
Das had reportedly arrived at the site with some associates before the group attempted to enter. He was subsequently taken into custody by Delhi Police.
Police are also considering registering an FIR in connection with the incident. However, there was no immediate confirmation of whether a case had been formally registered.
Jantar Mantar Denotified As Protest Venue
The detentions came a day after Delhi Police withdrew Jantar Mantar’s status as a designated venue for protests and demonstrations, naming three alternative locations for such gatherings.
The decision partially modifies a standing order issued on April 28, 2022, which had designated Jantar Mantar as a protest site. Police said revised standard operating procedures for demonstrations at the newly identified locations would be issued separately.
The move came amid tensions over CJP’s demand for permission to hold a peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The party has alleged irregularities in the SIR process and has sought an opportunity to protest.
CJP Demands Date For Protest, Questions Police Restrictions
On Monday, CJP leaders left Parliament Street police station after reiterating their demand for a date for the proposed demonstration and an explanation for the denial of permission.
CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said the party had formally informed the police about its intention to hold a peaceful protest and that the authorities had acknowledged the intimation. However, he alleged that the police had neither provided a date nor explained the restrictions imposed on the gathering.
“We have given them 24 hours to give us a date,” Das said, warning that the party would announce a march if the police failed to respond within the deadline.
Das Alleges Excessive Force During Earlier Crackdown
Das also accused Delhi Police of using excessive force during a recent crackdown on protesters. He alleged that demonstrators had been beaten inside buses and claimed that the Deputy Commissioner of Police and Additional DCP had avoided engaging with the CJP delegation.
“The Government of India is waging a war on its own citizens,” Das said, adding that the party would continue its protest peacefully.
The latest detention marks another escalation in the dispute over access to Jantar Mantar, as CJP continues to press for permission to demonstrate against the Election Commission while Delhi Police maintains restrictions on the use of the former protest venue.