Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka and several party workers were detained by Assam Police on Sunday ahead of a scheduled volunteers’ meeting in Guwahati, according to the organisation. The reported detentions triggered a political row, with Ranka alleging that the Assam government was attempting to prevent the group from raising questions about issues in the state.
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CJP Alleges Road Was Blocked Ahead of Meeting
The CJP said its regional volunteers’ meeting was scheduled to bring together supporters from Assam and other parts of the Northeast. According to the organisation, access to the meeting venue was blocked and several volunteers were detained before the programme could take place.
Ranka posted videos on social media showing himself inside a police vehicle while being taken away. The CJP also alleged that its lawyers were initially unable to meet the detained members.
Ashutosh Ranka Targets Himanta Biswa Sarma
Before his detention, Ranka alleged that Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was attempting to stop the CJP from highlighting issues concerning government schools, land and other matters in Assam.
Ranka also alleged that the government was concerned about the organisation’s planned outreach activities in the state. These allegations were made by Ranka and have not been independently established.
CJP Raises Questions Over Detentions
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the reported police action and demanded the release of Ranka and other members. He also alleged that the detainees had not been informed of the grounds for their detention and said he would travel to Assam if they were not released.
The organisation also claimed that more than 30 workers were detained, although different reports have cited varying numbers.
