CJP Leaders Claim Imminent Arrest Under NSA Ahead of October 10 Protest; Face Cases Over Mumbai Demonstration

New Delhi/Mumbai: Leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the youth-led activist group, have publicly claimed that the government is planning to arrest them under the National Security Act (NSA) or similar provisions anytime before October 10. They say they are prepared to face jail time but will continue their non-violent protests demanding accountability in electoral processes.

Saurav Das said the government plans to arrest him, Dipke, Ranka, Ratna, and other CJP leaders. He called any such move a “dictatorial” mistake, appealed for continued protests “with or without us,” and urged the “biggest mobilisation starting October 10th.”

Ashutosh Ranka stated that multiple sources informed him that he, founder Abhijeet Dipke, and Saurav Das would be arrested under NSA or equivalent laws before October 10. “All three of us have been ready to go to Jail since June 6. There is no fear about it,” Ranka posted, adding that the government is acting out of fear and that the group of “30 year olds fighting for a better, more accountable India” has “nothing to lose.” He quoted a line often attributed in activist contexts: “Even if you kill us, the fire rising from our funeral pyres will melt your palaces.”

Dipke echoed the stance: “If the Govt believes that the threat of UAPA, NSA or years behind bars will scare us into silence, it won’t. We are prepared to face whatever comes our way and, if necessary, spend months or years in jail, but we will not back off from our fight to save democracy. We follow the path shown by Mahatma Gandhi, and we will continue to resist peacefully and non-violently, no matter how much the State tries to intimidate us.”

CJP, which began as a satirical online platform, gained prominence through student-led protests over the NEET paper leak and related issues earlier in May 2026. It has since focused on alleged irregularities in the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The group is demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a criminal case against him, and a rollback of the SIR exercise.

The latest flashpoint was a protest held on October 2 (Gandhi Jayanti), at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. Mumbai Police had denied permission, citing noise pollution, traffic congestion, disruption to vehicular movement, and restrictions linked to a 2013 Bombay High Court order and subsequent government directions on activities at the park. CJP proceeded anyway, framing it as a “Jail Bharo Andolan.” The gathering drew a large crowd, including some public figures.

Complaints and Legal Action

Shivaji Park police registered an FIR against Abhijeet Dipke, Saurav Das, Ashutosh Ranka, and several other named CJP members, along with around 400–500 unidentified supporters. Allegations include unlawful assembly, raising slogans, obstructing traffic, using loudspeakers without permission, and disobedience of lawful orders. Provisions cited include sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to unlawful assembly and disobedience, plus sections of the Maharashtra Police Act. No arrests were immediately reported in connection with this FIR; investigation is ongoing.

Advocate and Shivaji Park resident Siddhi Deolekar filed a complaint against Dipke, Das, Ranka, and Ratna Singh, alleging the organisers went ahead despite the denial of permission and caused inconvenience by spilling onto roads near residential areas.

Social media influencer Faizan Ansari has lodged multiple complaints against Dipke and associates. These include allegations of physical attacks on him by people linked to Dipke in Pune and Aurangabad (with prior cases claimed in Maharashtra), claims that CJP protests involve paid participation (including alleged payments to celebrities), concerns about the presence of minors at earlier protests, and broader accusations (such as calling Dipke a “Pakistani agent”).

In connection with the Mumbai event, Ansari has complained about an “illegal protest” without permission, crowd-related problems, and the death of a 70-year-old senior citizen from a heart attack amid claims of inadequate medical facilities. He has sought a permanent ban on Dipke from Mumbai and action at Shivaji Park police station.

Dipke has responded to the cases by saying authorities can file as many as they want, but the fight to “save democracy” will continue.

CJP leaders maintain their actions are peaceful and non-violent. Police and authorities have cited public order, traffic, and permission requirements in restricting or acting against the gatherings. The situation continues to evolve amid calls for large-scale mobilisation on October 10.