Naveen Patnaik Seeks Immediate Release of CJP Leaders in Tricolour Hoisting Case.
Bhubaneswar, 20/10(PPT): Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president and former Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Monday called for the immediate release of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das, who are in judicial custody in connection with an alleged incident of trespass and violation of prohibitory orders at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
In a social media post, Mr. Patnaik said the circumstances surrounding their detention should be reviewed immediately. He argued that hoisting the national flag, even in a restricted area, should not be grounds for keeping the two young leaders in custody for an extended period. He also urged the judiciary and the executive to take appropriate steps to ensure that young people retained their faith in the rule of law and constitutional rights.
The case dates back to October 10, when CJP leaders Abhijit Dipake, Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das were reportedly intercepted at Delhi airport while travelling to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They were subsequently released after executing peace bonds of ₹50,000 each, valid for one year.
According to the police, Ranka, Das and some associates allegedly entered the Jantar Mantar area on October 13, despite restrictions, to hoist the national flag and raise slogans. The police alleged that the group crossed barricades, entered restricted premises and obstructed public servants on duty. An FIR was registered in connection with alleged trespass, violation of prohibitory orders, breach of peace bonds and obstruction of government officials.
On October 14, a Special Executive Magistrate’s court remanded Ranka and Das to five days of judicial custody at Tihar Jail, while their associate Ajinkya Shinde was released on a bond. On October 19, the court extended their custody by two days, until October 21, rejecting their surety pleas. The court reportedly observed that the accused had violated the conditions of their bonds. The investigation has also been transferred to the Crime Branch.
The CJP has maintained that its leaders are being targeted for hoisting the Tricolour and staging a peaceful protest. Party founder Abhijit Dipake has described the detention as an attempt to suppress dissent. The authorities, however, have cited alleged violations of legal restrictions and the need to maintain public order.
The case has triggered a wider debate over the balance between the right to peaceful protest, freedom of expression and the enforcement of restrictions imposed by the authorities. The next hearing was scheduled for October 21.