Delhi Police Transfers Second Case Against CJP Leaders to Crime Branch

The investigation into the Jantar Mantar incident involving Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka has taken a new turn. Delhi Police has transferred another case against the two leaders to its Crime Branch, which will now investigate two cases linked to the incident.

Police sources said the latest transfer took place on Tuesday. The first case had been transferred to the Crime Branch on Monday and was related to the alleged entry of the CJP leaders into the Jantar Mantar area.

The development comes as Das and Ranka remain in judicial custody following proceedings before a Special Executive Magistrate over alleged breaches of peace bonds.

What happened at Jantar Mantar?

According to Delhi Police, the incident took place on October 13, 2026.

Police allege that Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other members of the Cockroach Janta Party reached Jantar Mantar by passing through private premises. The area had been de-notified as a designated protest site, meaning it was no longer officially designated for protests under the relevant arrangements.

Police personnel present at the location intervened and attempted to stop the group. All 14 people were detained, and two FIRs were registered in connection with the incident.

The cases are now being investigated by the Crime Branch. The transfer does not, by itself, establish that the allegations against the leaders are true.

Why has the Crime Branch taken over both cases?

With both cases transferred, the Crime Branch will handle the investigation into the allegations arising from the incident.

The move means the cases will be examined by a specialised investigative unit of Delhi Police. Investigators will look into the circumstances of the alleged entry, the events at the site and the material connected with the registered FIRs.

However, the police have not publicly explained in the information available why the second case was transferred or whether the two cases will be investigated together.

Why are Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka in judicial custody?

Das and Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14 by a Special Executive Magistrate in proceedings related to alleged breaches of peace bonds.

A peace bond is an undertaking intended to help prevent a person from engaging in conduct that could disturb public peace. Authorities can initiate preventive proceedings when they believe there is a risk of a breach of peace.

On Monday, their judicial custody was extended by a further two days, according to the information provided by the police.

These proceedings are separate from the investigation into the two FIRs. Judicial custody in preventive proceedings should not be treated as a finding that the leaders are guilty of the allegations in the criminal cases.

What happens next?

The Crime Branch will now investigate both cases against the CJP leaders. The next steps will depend on the evidence gathered, the progress of the investigation and any further directions issued by the relevant authorities or court.

For now, the key development is the transfer of the second case. The investigation has been consolidated under the Crime Branch, while the allegations against Das and Ranka remain subject to the legal process.