The Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka to its office in Rajouri Garden, New Delhi, on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The development comes a day after a Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court ordered their release from judicial custody in a case linked to a protest at Jantar Mantar. The two leaders have been asked to appear before investigators to provide their statements and answer questions related to the case. Their release from custody does not bring the investigation to an end, and the police inquiry is continuing. The latest development has brought renewed attention to the Delhi Police Crime Branch investigation, the legal conditions imposed on the two leaders and the dispute surrounding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. The case involves allegations relating to entry into the protest area and compliance with earlier undertakings to maintain peace. According to media reports published on October 22, the Crime Branch asked the leaders to report to its Rajouri Garden office by noon. The summons followed their release from Tihar Jail on Wednesday, October 21. 

Why Were Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka Released?

A Special Executive Magistrate court ordered the release of Das and Ranka after considering their written undertakings, apologies and the conditions they agreed to follow. The court accepted personal and surety bonds of ₹50,000 each and concluded that continued judicial custody was not necessary at that stage. The release order does not amount to a declaration that the allegations against them have been proven false. The court made it clear that the investigation would continue in accordance with the law. The leaders were also directed to attend future hearings and comply with the conditions recorded in their undertakings. These requirements remain important to the proceedings, even though they are no longer in judicial custody. The decision came after the police had sought a further extension of their custody, citing concerns about the possibility of a breach of peace and disruption to public order.

What Conditions Did the Court Impose?

The court directed both leaders to submit personal and surety bonds worth ₹50,000 each while the investigation continues. They were also instructed to appear on every scheduled hearing date and comply with the conditions attached to their release. In their written undertakings, Das and Ranka promised not to disturb public peace or create a situation that could affect public order. They also agreed not to call for a protest at Jantar Mantar until the site is notified for demonstrations in accordance with the law. Their undertakings further stated that any future protest would remain within the constitutional framework. These conditions form a central part of the release order. The court's decision allows the investigation to proceed without keeping the two leaders in judicial custody at this stage.

Why Is Jantar Mantar Central to the Case?

Jantar Mantar has traditionally been associated with public demonstrations and political protests in the national capital. However, the supplied report states that the location had not been notified as a designated protest site at the time of the incident. The case relates to a protest held on October 13, 2026. Delhi Police alleged that the CJP leaders entered the area through private premises and violated conditions associated with maintaining peace. The police also alleged that the conduct involved a breach of restrictions connected with the protest location. These are allegations made in connection with the investigation and should not be treated as established findings of guilt. The dispute has raised questions about the rules governing public demonstrations, the conditions imposed through peace bonds and the legal procedures that apply when police believe those conditions have been breached. The current proceedings concern the alleged conduct of the leaders and the circumstances surrounding the protest. The court has directed that the investigation continue according to law.

Why Did Delhi Police Seek More Time in Custody?

Before the release order, Delhi Police had asked the court to extend the leaders' judicial custody. The police argued that concerns about public peace and law and order remained and pointed to what they described as differences between statements made by the leaders during court proceedings and later comments to the media. The police also raised concerns about the possibility of further protest activity. During the hearing, the leaders' counsel tendered an unconditional apology for the conduct referred to by the police and assured the court that such behaviour would not be repeated. The court considered the written undertakings and the other submissions before ordering their release. The police request for additional custody and the defence's response were part of the proceedings before the magistrate. The subsequent release order did not end the investigation or prevent the police from taking further lawful steps.

What Happens Next in the CJP Case?

The next court hearing was scheduled for October 23, 2026, at 3 pm, according to the supplied report. Both leaders and their sureties were directed to attend. The investigating officer was also asked to submit a verification report concerning the sureties at the next hearing. This is a procedural step connected with the bonds accepted by the court. Meanwhile, the Crime Branch has called the leaders to its Rajouri Garden office for questioning. Investigators are expected to record their statements and examine the relevant aspects of the case. The precise outcome of the questioning and any further action will depend on the investigation and subsequent legal proceedings. No conclusion about criminal liability should be drawn solely from the issuance of a summons.

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What This Development Means for the Leaders

The latest summons indicates that the legal process remains active despite the leaders' release from custody. Their immediate obligations include cooperating with the investigation, following the court's conditions and attending the scheduled hearing. For the police, the continuing investigation provides an opportunity to examine the allegations and collect relevant information. For the leaders, compliance with the court's directions remains essential while the case proceeds. The matter also highlights the distinction between release from judicial custody and the conclusion of a criminal or preventive proceeding. A person may be released subject to conditions while the investigation continues and the court considers further procedural steps.