Jailing Youth an Act of Cowardice: Rahul Gandhi on Arrest of CJP Leaders

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday criticised the detention of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders following a protest at Jantar Mantar, describing the jailing of young people for waving the Tricolour during a peaceful demonstration as an “act of cowardice”.

His remarks came after CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were remanded to five days of judicial custody in connection with an alleged trespassing incident at Jantar Mantar. Another party member, Ajinkya Shinde, was directed to maintain peace and good behaviour for six months on a personal bond and surety.

In a post on X, Gandhi said peaceful protest was not a crime and argued that citizens had a constitutional right to raise their voices.

“Waving the Tricolour at Jantar Mantar in a peaceful protest is not a crime. Jailing youth for it is an act of cowardice. Students. Youth. Journalists. The INDIA bloc. Different banners, one cause. All protests are one: citizens demanding their constitutional rights,” he wrote.

“Jantar Mantar belongs to the people of India. We will reclaim it,” he added.

The three CJP members were detained on Tuesday after allegedly crossing police barricades and entering Jantar Mantar, which Delhi Police had recently denotified as a designated protest site. Police cited alleged trespassing, violation of bond conditions and obstruction of public officials in the discharge of their duties.

The protesters had gathered to demonstrate against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They were also seen raising slogans against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar while attempting to cross the barricades.

According to Delhi Police, Das, Ranka and Shinde were produced before a Special Executive Magistrate at Mandir Marg on Wednesday. Police said the proceedings against them included preventive action over concerns about potential breaches of peace.

The latest action follows a case linked to the CJP’s October 10 protest, in which party founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, was released after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and agreeing not to become involved in any breach-of-peace cases for one year.

Police have alleged that Das and Ranka violated the conditions of their earlier release, leading to their treatment as repeat offenders in the latest case.

Delhi Police announced on October 12 that Jantar Mantar had been denotified as a designated protest venue under Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026. The decision was taken following recommendations from a committee of the Union Home Ministry.

Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground in East Delhi have been designated as alternative protest sites under the revised arrangements.