CJP Leaders Face Police Interrogation Over Jantar Mantar Protest Incident

Police Question CJP Leaders in Connection with Protest

New Delhi: Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), including Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde, were interrogated by the Delhi Police Crime Branch for approximately four hours on Thursday regarding two FIRs linked to their demonstration at Jantar Mantar on October 13, according to police reports.

The leaders arrived at the Crime Branch office in Rajouri Garden around 11 AM, with the questioning wrapping up around 3 PM.

During the session, they faced around 70 questions, though sources indicate they chose not to answer some.

The inquiry stems from two FIRs filed against them for allegedly trespassing into a designated protest area at Jantar Mantar on the specified date.

These FIRs, initially lodged at Connaught Place and Parliament Street police stations, were subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch for further investigation. The allegations include illegal entry through private property to access Jantar Mantar and breaching site restrictions.

The CJP leaders had previously conducted a protest where they displayed the national flag at Jantar Mantar.

After the questioning, Ranka addressed the media, stating that the investigation was standard procedure related to the October 13 event.

"We have reiterated our commitment to cooperate with the ongoing investigation. Displaying the Tiranga should not be considered a crime. We trust that the investigation will be conducted fairly, and we will assist in any way we can," he remarked.

Sources noted that the questioning was carried out by officers of inspector rank.

The leaders had been summoned for questioning previously but had requested additional time and did not attend.