Assam: CJP's Ashutosh Ranka among 30-plus activists detained, Abhijeet Deepke warns Sarma

A standoff has developed between the Cockroach Janata Party, or CJP, and the police in Assam. Ahead of the party's regional volunteers meeting in Guwahati, Assam Police detained CJP co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka along with more than 30 activists.

CJP says Ashutosh Ranka was detained from a private residence. The party claims he has not yet been told what charge or legal ground the detention is based on. A video of Ranka has also surfaced in which he alleges police action against him.

CJP's regional volunteers meeting was scheduled for 10 am on September 27 at Assam Shri Parashuram Seva Sadan in the Athgaon area of Guwahati. However, the party had changed the venue to Chowdhury Tila, opposite the Assam Secretariat. CJP alleges pressure was put on the original venue to cancel the booking. Despite the venue change, police took action, the party claims.

Reacting to the matter, CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke posted on social media. He warned that if Ashutosh Ranka and the other activists were not released immediately, he would come to Assam himself along with the rest of the CJP members. Deepke said, "Himanta can arrest all of us."

In his post, Abhijeet Deepke wrote that Ashutosh Ranka, referred to as Ashu, was picked up by Assam Police from a private residence. He said Ranka has not been told what charge or ground the detention is based on. Deepke further wrote that if Ashu is not released, he will go to Assam with the rest of the CJP members, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma can arrest all of them if he wishes.

CJP has raised serious questions over the police action. However, the police have not yet issued a detailed official response regarding the detention. An official clarification on the legal provision under which the action was taken is awaited.

Some opposition leaders in Assam have also reacted to the matter, questioning the detention of CJP activists.