Cockroach Janta Party Leaders Face Release From Tihar Jail

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka are expected to be released from Tihar Jail on October 18, 2026, after five days of judicial custody. The leaders were detained for allegedly crossing police barricades to enter a restricted area during demonstrations against the Election Commission of India's voter roll revision process.

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, was granted conditional bail on Saturday following his own brief detention. He stated that the party will gather to restrategize its efforts once Das and Ranka are freed.

The protests against alleged electoral irregularities have expanded internationally, with demonstrations held at Parliament Square in London. Within India, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha has scheduled protests for October 23, and the Indian National Congress has received permission for a rally in Delhi on November 1.

The Election Commission of India has rejected claims of wrongdoing but has taken steps to mitigate tensions. The commission eased certain verification requirements, extended deadlines for voters to challenge exclusions in regions including Maharashtra, and formed a panel to review its registration software.