UPDATED: Oct 21, 2026 18:49 ISTA Delhi magistrate court has ordered the release of Cockroach Janta Party leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on bail after their judicial custody concluded. The Delhi Police had sought an extension of their judicial custody by three days, which was denied by the Special Executive Magistrate court following a hearing lasting over an hour and a half.
The leaders spent approximately seven days in Tihar Jail following their detention for climbing gates and attempting to breach the de-notified protest venue at Jantar Mantar. Prior to the SEM court ruling, the leaders had approached the Delhi High Court seeking relief against their custody extension, where the court questioned their approach while proceedings were pending before the magistrate.
Live visuals showed the CJP leaders being escorted out of court to complete final release formalities at Tihar Jail, while formal details regarding the specific conditions imposed on their bail remain awaited. Read MoreVIDEOS FROM OTHER SECTIONSLATEST VIDEOSMarco Rubio Backs India, Slams UN Criticism Amid Ongoing Anti-CEC ProtestsUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio dismissed UN criticism of India's response to anti-CEC protests, questioning the credibility of UN experts and affirming India's democratic electoral process while declining to intervene in domestic matters.
Over 20 UN experts had previously urged Indian authorities to halt alleged excessive force, baton charges, detentions, and digital disruptions, calling for an independent inquiry. India rejected the remarks, asserting that human rights concerns must not serve as instruments for political pressure.
The diplomatic exchange coincides with Rubio's official visit focusing on bilateral energy cooperation, Venezuela affairs, and discussions surrounding crude oil refining at Gujarat's Jamnagar refinery complex.Delhi Police Seeks 3-Day Custody Extension for Saurabh Das, Ashutosh RankaDelhi Police has sought a three-day extension of judicial custody for Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka before the Special Executive Magistrate. The duo was arrested on October 13 for illegal entry at Jantar Mantar.
They were initially placed in five-day judicial custody on October 14, followed by an additional two-day remand on October 19. The latest hearing coincides with the Delhi High Court questioning the legality and maintainability of an urgent plea filed by the accused, advising them to pursue alternate remedies.
Police requested further custody to continue their probe and interrogate them as the court decides whether to grant extended detention or bail.Delhi Air Quality Worsens After Dussehra, AQI Crosses 200 As GRAP 1 Takes EffectA thick layer of toxic smog engulfed Delhi and the National Capital Region a day after Dussehra celebrations, causing the Air Quality Index to cross the 200 mark into the poor category. The sudden deterioration followed the burning of effigies and firecrackers across various localities, combined with calm wind conditions.
In response to the rising pollution levels, the Commission for Air Quality Management and the Delhi government enforced Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan. While the government prepares to implement its winter action plan restricting construction activities and encouraging work from home from November, questions were raised over timely enforcement and proactive measures ahead of the festive season.
Health experts advised residents to wear N95 masks and avoid strenuous outdoor exercise during early morning and evening hours as winter pollution sets in.Delhi AQI Plummets Post Dussehra; GRAP 1 Implemented Across NCR Amid Rising Air PollutionAir quality across Delhi and the National Capital Region deteriorated significantly following Dussehra celebrations and effigy burning, with the Air Quality Index climbing to 244 and morning levels touching 291. In response, the Commission for Air Quality Management invoked Stage 1 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
The emergency measures mandate heightened dust control at construction zones, checks on road dust, efficient waste handling, and intensified surveillance against polluting activities. The move follows the capital's winter pollution mitigation plan, which includes vehicle emission curbs, promotion of public transport, and work-from-home provisions to curb rising pollution levels.