Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka will remain in judicial custody until October 21 after a Special Executive Magistrate rejected their sureties, citing concerns over a possible fresh breach of peace.

In its order, the South-West District magistrate said the two had allegedly violated peace bonds furnished on October 11. The magistrate also expressed doubts about their assurances that they would not repeat the alleged conduct, citing material submitted by the investigating officer.

The order flagged their alleged repeated calls for protests at locations where demonstrations were no longer authorised and said preventive measures remained necessary to maintain public tranquillity.

Why Their Sureties Were Rejected

The magistrate rejected both sureties after finding them unsuitable during an inquiry requested by the defence.

One surety failed to explain a discrepancy between the photographs on the surety bond and Aadhaar card and could not produce another valid identity document. The other was unable to provide basic details about Das, including his parentage and address.

The magistrate said neither individual had established sufficient credibility or demonstrated the ability to ensure the leaders’ appearance when required. With no alternative sureties available, Das and Ranka were directed to furnish fresh ones and remanded to custody for two more days.

Defence Assures No Repeat of Alleged Offence

The defence sought the leaders’ immediate release, arguing that neither had called for a protest after October 10 and that both had visited Jantar Mantar separately.

Their lawyers also assured the magistrate that the alleged conduct would not be repeated. However, the SEM said these submissions did not allay concerns arising from the leaders’ past conduct and the material presented by the investigating officer.

Citing an imminent apprehension of another breach of peace, the magistrate directed the two leaders to submit their arguments in writing within two days. They will remain in custody until October 21 as the proceedings continue.