Naveen Patnaik Demands Immediate Release of CJP Leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das Over Tricolour Hoisting Case

 BHUBANESWAR: Political reactions continue to intensify over the judicial custody of Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) prominent leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das.

Former Odisha Chief Minister and BJD President Naveen Patnaik has strongly demanded the immediate release of the two young leaders.

Taking to social media on Monday, Patnaik stated:
“Jai Hind. The judicial custody of #AshutoshRanka and #SouravDas should be reviewed immediately, and they should be released without delay.

Hoisting the national flag, even in a restricted area, should not be a reason to detain them for such a long period.

Both the judiciary and the executive must take appropriate steps so that the country’s youth do not lose faith in the rule of law and constitutional rights.”

Background of the Case
The controversy stems from an incident on October 10, when CJP leaders Abhijit Dipake, Ashutosh Ranka, and Sourav Das were intercepted at the Delhi Airport while on their way to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

They were subsequently released under the condition of executing a one-year peace bond of ₹50,000 each.

On the morning of October 13, Ranka, Das, and a few associates allegedly entered Jantar Mantar—a designated non-protest zone—to hoist the national flag and raise slogans.

Police reported that the group broke barricades, bypassed private premises, and obstructed public servants on duty.

Consequently, an FIR was registered against them for trespassing, violating prohibitory orders, breaching peace bonds, and obstructing government officials.
Legal Proceedings and Judicial Custody
October 14: The Special Executive Magistrate (SEM) court remanded Ashutosh Ranka and Sourav Das to five days of judicial custody at Tihar Jail, while another associate, Ajinkya Shinde, was released on a bond.

October 19: Following the expiry of the five-day remand, the matter came up for a fresh hearing.

The magistrate rejected the surety pleas and extended their custody by another two days, until October 21.

The court noted that the accused had willfully violated the bonds and that their assurances could not be easily relied upon.

Additionally, the investigation into the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch.
Reactions and Next Steps
The CJP has maintained that the leaders are being penalised solely for hoisting the Tricolour and staging a peaceful protest.

Party founder Abhijit Dipake termed the detention an attempt to suppress dissenting voices.

While civil liberties groups and opposition leaders debate whether the incident infringes upon the constitutional rights of the youth, authorities emphasise the necessity of maintaining law and order and upholding court-mandated bonds.

With the next court hearing scheduled for October 21, all eyes remain on the evolving legal developments in the national capital.