'Don’t Become What We Hate’: CJP Founder Calls for Peace as Das and Ranka Remain in Jail
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters to maintain a peaceful approach while party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka remain in custody following a protest in Delhi.
- CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has urged supporters to maintain a peaceful approach while party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka remain in custody following a protest in Delhi.
CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke Urges Supporters to Remain Peaceful
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has appealed to supporters to remain peaceful while party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka continue to face legal proceedings following their arrest in connection with a protest in New Delhi. His message emphasises the importance of non-violence and warns supporters against responding to frustration with behaviour that contradicts the principles they say they are defending.
The appeal comes amid continuing concern among party members over the detention of Das and Ranka. The two leaders were arrested after a demonstration at Jantar Mantar, where protesters reportedly crossed barricades and disrupted public order. Their custody and the legal decisions surrounding it have become a focus of the party's public campaign. The exact legal outcome remains dependent on the relevant proceedings and decisions by the authorities and courts.
A Call for Non-Violent Protest
Dipke's reported message draws on the principle that a movement should maintain its commitment to peaceful action even when its members believe they have been treated unfairly. Non-violent protest can include public demonstrations, petitions, speeches, peaceful marches and campaigns that seek to persuade institutions or the public. Its effectiveness depends in part on discipline, clear objectives and the ability to communicate grievances without placing others at risk.
The appeal also reflects a practical concern for the safety of supporters. Public gatherings can become difficult to manage when emotions run high, especially when participants believe that their colleagues are being unfairly detained. Organisers who call for restraint can help reduce the risk of injuries, clashes or additional legal complications. They can also help ensure that the original issue remains central to public discussion rather than being overshadowed by disorder.
The Legal Position of Das and Ranka
The custody of Das and Ranka has prompted the party to seek legal remedies. Questions about the grounds for detention, the extension of custody and the acceptance of sureties must be addressed through the applicable legal process. The filing of a petition or a public statement by a party does not itself determine whether a detention is lawful. That assessment depends on the relevant orders, the law and the evidence considered by the competent authority or court.
It is important to distinguish allegations made by protesters from findings established through legal proceedings. Authorities may explain their actions in terms of public order, while detainees may challenge the legal basis for those actions. Courts provide a forum in which competing positions can be examined and decisions can be reviewed in accordance with law.
Public Order and Democratic Participation
Peaceful protest remains an important means of expressing disagreement and calling attention to public concerns. At the same time, organisers and participants must consider lawful restrictions, public safety and the rights of other people using public spaces. The balance between public expression and order can be difficult, particularly when a demonstration takes place near government offices or in a location subject to specific rules.
Clear communication from organisers, compliance with lawful directions and access to legal advice can help reduce uncertainty. When participants believe that a restriction is unjustified, pursuing a legal challenge can offer a route to accountability without escalating confrontation. Public statements are also more effective when they accurately describe the dispute and avoid claims that have not been independently established.
What Comes Next
The next developments will depend on the legal proceedings involving Das and Ranka and on the decisions taken by the party's leadership regarding future demonstrations. Dipke's appeal signals that the movement wants supporters to maintain discipline while the matter remains unresolved.
The broader message is that political movements are judged not only by the causes they advance but also by the methods they use. A commitment to non-violence can help protect participants, preserve public support and keep attention on the issue being contested. The final legal assessment of the arrests and custody, however, must come from the appropriate authorities and courts.
Rajath Kankar
Journalist · BHARATHINN
