SEM Orders Release After Seven-Day Custody
Special Executive Magistrate ACP Ritu Raj ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party co-convenors Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka from Tihar Jail on October 21. The order followed production before the SEM at Mandir Marg. Police request for three-day custody extension was rejected.
Key Conditions from SEM Order
- Personal and surety bonds of Rs 50,000 each furnished until inquiry concludes.
- Written undertaking: no calls for protest at Jantar Mantar until de-notified per law; protests only within constitutional framework; maintain peace and tranquillity.
- Next hearing: October 23 at 3 PM. Leaders and sureties to appear. IO to submit surety verification.
"We will not make any calls for protest at Jantar Mantar till such a time that it is denotified in accordance with law."
Sequence of Events
- October 13-14: Das, Ranka scaled de-notified Jantar Mantar gate with Tiranga. Detained. Remanded 5 days judicial custody.
- October 19: Custody extended 2 days after surety rejection and bond breach finding.
- October 21 morning: Withdrew Delhi High Court petition challenging extension. Justice Subramonium Prasad directed pursuit of alternative remedies and SEM outcome.
- Evening: SEM accepted bonds and undertakings. Release warrant issued.
Subsequent Development
Delhi Crime Branch issued summons to Das and Ranka for questioning in connection with the Jantar Mantar protest cases.
Advocate Abhik Chimni confirmed release after opposing further custody. CJP legal head Ratna Singh noted the decision should have come earlier.