The two cases stem from incidents linked to protests in Delhi and allegations of violating police restrictions and obstructing security personnel.
Two FIRs Registered on October 13
On October 13, an FIR was registered at Connaught Place Police Station under Sections 223(a), 332 and 61(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). A second FIR was registered at Parliament Street Police Station in connection with allegations of obstructing a public servant in the discharge of official duties, causing hurt and other related offences.
The police had stated that preventive action was taken amid apprehensions of a breach of public peace and violations of the law.
On the morning of October 13, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, Ajinkya Shinde and 11 other CJP members reached Jantar Mantar through a private premises. The protesters allegedly broke barricades, obstructed security personnel from performing their duties and raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The national flag was also hoisted during the incident.
All 14 people were taken into custody.
SEM Court Extends Judicial Custody Until October 21
Das and Ranka had previously been detained and signed bonds committing themselves to maintaining peace for one year. Following their preventive arrest during the October 10 protest, they were sent to five days of judicial custody by the SEM court over alleged violations of the conditions of their peace bonds and participation in a protest without permission.
On Monday, the SEM court extended their judicial custody by two days, until October 21.
Meanwhile, Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have approached the Delhi High Court challenging their judicial custody. Their lawyers are seeking an urgent hearing in the matter.
With both cases now transferred to the Crime Branch, the investigation into the allegations surrounding the CJP leaders' entry into the restricted protest area and the subsequent events will proceed under the specialised police unit.
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