Assam police detained Ashutosh Ranka, co‑convener of the Cockroach Janta Party, on 29 September 2024 at 10 a.m. near Guwahati's railway station. The raid was part of a broader crackdown on dissenting voices in the state. Ranka remained in custody for two hours before being released.
The decision triggered a wave of online backlash, with supporters flooding forums and social media platforms to demand accountability. Many critics highlighted that the arrest appeared to violate procedural norms, citing the CJP's statement that the detention was illegal. The party has called for an investigation into the police's conduct.
On X, Ranka wrote, "We have asked the police to drop us where they picked us up from." The post suggests he is demanding that the authorities return him to the point of pickup. The message went viral, amplifying the controversy.
CJP spokesperson Shivam Bhowmick announced that the party will file a writ petition with the Gauhati High Court within 48 hours, seeking a formal review of the detention. He added that the party will demand the police produce a detailed record of the arrest. The court hearing is scheduled for early next week.