Mamata Banerjee demanded the immediate release of Das and Ranka in a post on X. She described the extension of their custody as “state-sponsored terrorism” and accused the authorities of deliberately prolonging their detention. She also urged the government to stop what she called the torture of Gen Z youth, warning that those in power today will not remain there forever.
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Custody Extended by Two Days
Das and Ranka were first sent to five days of judicial custody on October 14. This followed their detention for allegedly entering Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as a designated protest site, by scaling its locked gates. When that custody ended on Monday, they were produced before the SEM at Mandir Marg police station. Delhi Police sought an extension, and the magistrate granted two more days.
CJP Questions the Need for Custody
CJP legal affairs head Ratna Singh said the party was waiting at the SEM court for the order. She argued there was no reason to extend custody and said the public prosecutor presented only assumptions, not legal arguments. She called the proceedings a waste of the court’s time.
Mamata’s Earlier Support
Mamata had already condemned the arrests on October 14, calling them an attempt to intimidate and silence an entire generation. She urged people to unite to protect democracy. Her latest post goes further, linking the case to what she says is a wider pattern across the country, from Kolkata to Delhi to Mumbai.
A Growing Political Fight
The case has now moved beyond the courtroom. The earlier bail delay, the rejected sureties and the police report on threats to the magistrate had already made it a major political issue. Opposition backing from a senior leader such as Mamata gives the CJP a wider platform as it continues to protest against the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.
