Full Breakdown
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Leaders Sent to Custody and Flag-Hoisting Protest at Connaught Place
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 14 2026, CJP co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody after police said they entered the newly de-notified Jantar Mantar area, climbed barricades and unfurled the national flag. Party activist Ajinkya Shinde was released on a personal bond. The arrests followed a preventive detention at the airport on October 10 2026 and a breach-of-bond allegation by Delhi Police.
Background & Context
Jantar Mantar was de-notified on October 12 2026 amid a dispute over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which CJP says favours the ruling party. The party has demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Protests have drawn opposition leaders, student groups and civil-society organisations, prompting repeated police restrictions and detentions across Delhi since June 2026.
Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Oct 10 2026 | Das, Ranka and Dipke detained at IGI Airport ahead of a planned Jantar Mantar protest. |
| Oct 12 2026 | Jantar Mantar de-notified as a protest site. |
| Oct 14 2026 | Das and Ranka remanded; Shinde released on bond. |
| Oct 15 2026 | Delhi High Court refused to restrain CJP from holding a protest at Connaught Place’s Central Park. |
| Oct 16 2026 | CJP’s “Lehra Do Tiranga” march held at Central Park (site closed to the public). |
| Nov 3 2026 (scheduled) | Further hearing of the petition concerning the protest. |
Official Statements & Responses
- Delhi Police – said the arrests were for alleged trespass, breach of peace bond and obstruction, and pledged “all possible steps” to regulate the Oct 16 gathering.
- Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma – told the High Court that police had taken steps to “control and regulate” CJP activities and would act “in accordance with law.”
- Deputy Commissioner Neha Yadav – confirmed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) were in force in Connaught Place.
- NDMC – issued a notice that Central Park would remain closed on Oct 16-17 and asked police to prevent any gathering nearby.
Criticism & Opposition
- Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder – “We will show that waving a tiranga is not a crime.”
- Atul Bhargava, President, New Delhi Traders Association – “Connaught Place is a commercial centre and not a protest site.”
- Atul Bharagava, same association – acknowledged the right to protest but warned, “We also have a right to life. Don’t kill our present.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Police said only 11 individuals could be permitted to carry the flag, while CJP called for a mass “Lehra Do Tiranga” gathering, highlighting a gap between official facilitation and the party’s plan. Reported police deployment numbers vary, and the impact of the venue closure on local commerce remains anecdotal, with no independent audit.
What’s Next
The Delhi High Court has listed the matter for a further hearing on November 3 2026. The order does not prohibit the protest but records police assurance that “all possible steps” will be taken to maintain law and order. The hearing will determine whether additional regulatory directions are issued for future CJP gatherings in Delhi.