New Delhi: The Delhi Police have transferred two cases against Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to the Crime Branch, sources close to the investigation said on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. Both leaders are still in judicial custody.
The transfer comes a week after two FIRs were registered against them. The cases are about entering the Jantar Mantar protest site and obstructing police personnel on duty on October 13.
Why the Cases Were Transferred
Sources say the cases were handed to the Crime Branch because of their “sensitive and important nature.” The aim, they said, is to make sure the investigation is fair and impartial.
What Police Say Happened
According to police, Das, Ranka, a CJP member named Ajinkya Shinde and 11 others reached Jantar Mantar by walking through private premises. Jantar Mantar had been officially removed from the list of designated protest sites, so protests were no longer allowed there.
Police officers deployed at the spot tried to stop the group. Police allege that the group blocked them from doing their duty. All 14 members were detained.
Two FIRs, Several Charges
An FIR, or First Information Report, is the first official record of a crime filed with the police. Two were registered on October 13, one at the Connaught Place police station and the other at Parliament Street police station. Both invoke sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), India’s criminal law.
The Connaught Place FIR includes charges of disobeying an order issued by a public servant, house-trespass to commit an offence, and criminal conspiracy.
The Parliament Street FIR includes charges of obstructing a public servant, voluntarily causing hurt, using force to stop a public servant from doing their duty, and acts done by several people with a common intention.
Preventive Action Against Three Leaders
Police also started preventive proceedings against Das, Ranka and Shinde under Sections 126 and 170 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). These steps are meant to stop a possible problem before it happens. Police said the three had repeatedly tried to disturb public peace and break the law. They also alleged that the three tried to encourage others through social media to do the same.
Where Things Stand
Das and Ranka remain in judicial custody. Shinde was released after being bound down to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months. He had to give a personal bond and a surety of ₹5,000.
Earlier this week, the Delhi High Court allowed Das and Ranka to withdraw their petitions challenging the extension of their custody. The judge had noted that they could instead approach a higher court to review the special executive magistrate’s October 19 order.
At this stage, these are police allegations. Das and Ranka have not been convicted of anything, and only a court can decide guilt after hearing the evidence.
