UPDATED: Oct 21, 2026 21:29 ISTA Special Executive Magistrate Court ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka following seven days in judicial custody. They were detained for breaching bond conditions after protesting in Jantar Mantar, an area that had been denotified.
Their detention was extended after initial sureties were rejected. Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court raised questions regarding their activities, noting the shift from an initial student movement against the Chief Election Commissioner to a political push for regime change, remarking that regime change in India occurs through the ballot.
The confrontation sparked sharp political exchanges, with Bharatiya Janata Party MP Sambit Patra accusing Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi of overseas consultations with George Soros-linked networks to trigger domestic instability. Patra labelled elements advocating regime change as adversaries of the nation, while citing upcoming agitations called by opposition parties and activists.
Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSSourav Das, Ashutosh Ranka Bail: Rs 50K Bond, Jantar Mantar Curb ImposedA Special Executive Magistrate has set bail conditions for the release of Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Both individuals are required to furnish a personal bond of 50,000 rupees each alongside a surety, a condition confirmed to have been fulfilled.
They have pledged in writing to maintain peace and uphold law and order. Regarding demonstrations at Jantar Mantar, which has been denotified as a protest site, both assured they will not call for protests there until it is legally redesignated, maintaining that any future protests will adhere strictly to the constitutional framework.
Additionally, they must appear on every hearing date, with police directed to submit a surety verification report ahead of the next hearing scheduled for 23 October 2026.Bail Granted to Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka; Detailed Order AwaitedBoth Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been granted bail, with the detailed order and specific conditions imposed by the authority currently awaited. Legal counsel present at the location are waiting for the formal stamped copy of the bail order being prepared inside.
The advocates are expected to step out shortly to clarify the stipulations and conditions placed upon the accused.V Harish Suicide: 'Jail-ukku Ellaam Pora Maathiri Solli Mental Harassment'A 27-year-old financial influencer, Harish, with over a million followers, died by suicide allegedly following intense online cyberbullying and harassment over accusations of providing financial advice without required registration. Police are investigating a complaint filed by his father against another social media influencer, Jason Samuel, who had questioned Harish's credentials while denying bullying allegations.
In a recorded statement, Harish said, 'Jail-ukku ellaam pora maathiri solli avvlo enakku mental harassment apdindratha avaru kuduthuttaarunga', detailing alleged threats involving political connections, penalties, and severe mental distress.Andhra Poll Violence: Jyotsna Tirunagari, Bharath Ram clash over clashesA fierce political debate erupted over widespread incidents of violence during the filing of nominations for local elections in Andhra Pradesh. Telugu Desam Party national spokesperson Jyotsna Tirunagari defended the ruling dispensation, stating that over 23,000 nominations had been filed peacefully across the state and accusing the YSRCP of instigating unrest.
In contrast, former YSRCP Member of Parliament Bharath Ram claimed that ruling party cadres vandalised vehicles and violently prevented opposition candidates from submitting nomination papers. The discussion addressed the Supreme Court's intervention directing authorities to maintain law and order, as well as mutual allegations involving prominent leaders such as Member of Parliament Mithun Reddy and claims of outside elements orchestrating disturbances.