Delhi Police detain CJP leaders after Jantar Mantar entry

Delhi Police detained Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya Shinde on Tuesday after they entered Jantar Mantar, a day after the site was removed from Delhi’s list of designated protest venues. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said other party members were detained as well. A video posted by Ranka showed him, Das and supporters entering the premises by jumping over a gate. Reports said police detained those who entered. The supplied accounts did not include a police statement confirming the circumstances or legal basis for the detentions. The entry followed an official decision to denotify Jantar Mantar as a designated venue for protests. A notice issued Monday, October 12, named Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground as alternative locations. The decision was based on recommendations from a committee constituted by the Union home ministry, according to the notice. CJP said its members entered Jantar Mantar in opposition to the venue change and sought to reclaim it for their protest.