CJP leaders Das and Ranka face Delhi Crime Branch questioning
- The leaders were questioned over two FIRs related to an October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar.
- Police allege the leaders trespassed and violated a peace bond by unfurling the national flag.
- The case was transferred to the Crime Branch on October 19 following an initial arrest.
- The protest involved slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over electoral rolls.
A team of officers began questioning the pair upon their arrival.
Two people died in the incident, and eyewitness Mohd Nayeem reported that three or four lintels collapsed at once after the building had been under construction for three to four months.
The Delhi fire department received a call at 9:50 am and dispatched six units, including water tenders and a Quick Response Vehicle. Station Officer DK Rai reported the collapse at 10:15 am and requested additional manpower, noting that some people might be trapped under the debris.
Aam Aadmi Party leader Saurabh Bharadwaj criticized the Rekha Gupta government on X following the collapse. He questioned the effectiveness of building safety audits and alleged corruption in civic departments, asking why buildings continue to collapse despite multiple audits conducted by the government and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi.
Two FIRs filed over Jantar Mantar protest
The Delhi Crime Branch is questioning the CJP leaders regarding two FIRs linked to an alleged violation of protest-site restrictions at Jantar Mantar on October 13, 2026. The FIRs allege that the leaders entered a denotified protest site and unfurled the national flag.
This action followed directions from the National Human Rights Commission.
Meta responded to the notice a week later, leading the Commission to institute a formal inquiry.
Protest against electoral roll irregularities
On October 13, 2026, CJP leaders entered the denotified Jantar Mantar protest site to stage a demonstration. The activists gathered to protest against alleged irregularities in the SIR of electoral rolls.
During the incident, the leaders unfurled the national flag and chanted slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Police stated this action violated a peace bond the leaders had signed on October 11.
Arrest and judicial custody in October
Following the protest, authorities arrested the leaders for trespassing and the alleged violation of their peace bond. The Delhi Police filed FIRs against the CJP leaders after the breach of the site.
On October 14, 2026, the CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were sent to five days of judicial custody.
Release on personal and surety bonds
Special Executive Magistrate Ritu Raj ordered the release of the two activists on October 21, 2026.
As part of the release conditions, the leaders provided written undertakings pledging to maintain peace and obey the law. They also expressed full confidence in the judiciary.
The magistrate directed the leaders to appear at every hearing and comply with all bond conditions.
Missed summons and delayed appearance
Both leaders previously failed to join the investigation after being summoned for 12 noon on October 22. They had asked for more time before appearing for the police probe.
Das, Ranka, and Ajinkya Shinde missed this scheduled questioning. He added they informed the police and are waiting for a fresh summons date.
Involvement of Ajinkya Shinde and others
CJP leader Ajinkya Shinde and eleven others were also involved in the trespassing incident on October 14. Shinde was also called in the same case.
Shinde was later released on bail after signing a peace bond.
Transfer of case to Crime Branch
The Delhi Police transferred the trespassing case against the CJP leaders to the Crime Branch on October 19, 2026.
Separately, the Delhi Police Special Cell registered FIR No. 236/2026 on October 8.
Additional charges of obstruction
Police alleged Das and Ranka entered the Jantar Mantar area through private premises. They also violated conditions relating to maintaining peace.
Frequently Asked Questions
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