India: Three CJP Leaders Released on One-Year Bond, Vow to Continue Protest
Three leaders of India’s satirical political group, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), have been released by a court on the condition that they refrain from activities that could disturb public peace over the next year. The leaders are Abhijit Deepke, Sourav Das and Ashutosh Rana.
The three were detained by police immediately after arriving in Delhi on Saturday (October 10). On Sunday morning (October 11), an executive magistrate’s court in Delhi Cantonment ordered their release.
More Than 3,000 Detained During Delhi Protests
Delhi witnessed a major security crackdown on Saturday as police detained more than 3,000 people, including politicians, actors, YouTubers and people from various walks of life. Most were released later that night.
Authorities tightened security across the capital to prevent protesters from gathering at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi. Unable to assemble at the designated location, demonstrators reportedly split into smaller groups and staged protests at different locations across the city.
Among those detained was YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, known for his sharp criticism of India’s central government. He was released late Saturday night.
Supreme Court Hearing Possible Over Metro Restrictions
Meanwhile, a special bench of the Supreme Court of India may hear a contempt petition on Sunday concerning the closure of several Delhi Metro stations and the suspension of train services on Saturday.
Although metro services were operating normally on Sunday morning, large numbers of security personnel remained deployed at station entrances and exits. Buses were also stationed nearby to facilitate the removal of detainees if necessary.
On Friday, a Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant had directed authorities not to completely suspend metro services ahead of Saturday’s protests. Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi were also members of the bench, according to the supplied report.
CJP Vows to Continue Voter List Campaign
CJP leaders have vowed to continue their protests until the allegations surrounding the deletion of 130 million names from voter lists and alleged manipulation of electoral rolls are addressed.
The leaders accused authorities of creating an “undeclared emergency” in Delhi to prevent peaceful public gatherings. They insist that accountability over the voter list allegations must be ensured before their movement can come to an end.
The detentions and subsequent releases have added to political tensions in the Indian capital. With the CJP refusing to back down, the dispute over voter registration and the right to protest is likely to remain a contentious issue.
