Abhijeet Dipke Calls Jailed CJP Leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka the Movement’s ‘Real Leaders’

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has called jailed colleagues Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka the movement’s real leaders, saying he often followed their directions. His message came on Tuesday, October 20, a day after Delhi Police transferred a case involving the two men to its Crime Branch.

Dipke’s remarks were a show of support for Das and Ranka, not an accusation against them. In a video message to CJP supporters, he praised their judgment, described them as brothers and said their time in jail would not intimidate them.

What Dipke said about Das and Ranka

Dipke said people outside the movement might see him as its leader, but Das and Ranka had played a central role in building it and making decisions. He said he would go where they asked him to go because he trusted their abilities.

That description does not change the group’s announced roles: Dipke is its founder and national convener, while Das and Ranka are co-conveners. His message focused on their contributions and on keeping the movement peaceful while they remain in custody.

Dipke also asked supporters to spend time with their families during the festive period. He urged them not to let anger over the detentions turn into hatred and said the movement would continue to follow non-violent methods.

Crime Branch takes over Jantar Mantar case

Delhi Police transferred the alleged trespassing case against Das and Ranka to the Crime Branch’s Inter State Cell on Monday, October 19. The case stems from an October 13 protest at Jantar Mantar, where police say CJP members entered an area that was no longer a designated protest site and obstructed officers.

Das and Ranka were sent to judicial custody on October 14. A Special Executive Magistrate extended their custody by two days on October 19, leaving them detained as Dipke released his message.

CJP has challenged that extension in the Delhi High Court and sought an urgent hearing. The group argues that the continued detention and the handling of sureties submitted for the two men violate their rights. Those arguments remain before the court.

The Crime Branch transfer changes which Delhi Police unit investigates the case. It does not, by itself, mean that the Enforcement Directorate or National Investigation Agency has joined the investigation. A separate petition seeking an ED and NIA inquiry into CJP was brought before the Allahabad High Court earlier this year, but the court declined to entertain it in June.

The immediate questions are when the Delhi High Court will hear CJP’s challenge and what the Crime Branch’s investigation will establish about the October 13 protest. Dipke, meanwhile, has made clear that he stands with Das and Ranka.