Leaders kept in separate high-security barracks in Tihar
Civil Rights Justice Party (CJP) leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Sourabh Das, arrested following a protest and unfurling of the tricolor at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, have been shifted to high-security wards in Tihar Jail. According to primary reports from jail authorities, both leaders have been placed in separate cells to prevent any untoward incidents. Additional security personnel have been deployed outside their cells to maintain strict vigilance.
A local court sent both leaders to five days of judicial custody. As per prison records, Ashutosh Ranka has been assigned prisoner number 1784 and Sourabh Das has been given 3752. Initially, both were scheduled to be kept in Jail Number 2, but later Ranka was shifted to Jail Number 4 due to security considerations. The blocks housing them have significantly fewer inmates compared to other prison blocks, ensuring isolated custody.
Round-the-clock CCTV surveillance inside cells
Senior prison sources confirmed that high-definition CCTV cameras have been installed inside and outside the cells of Sourabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka. Their every movement is being continuously monitored from the central control room. The primary objective of the prison administration is to ensure that they do not attempt self-harm or suicide while in custody.
A senior jail official stated on condition of anonymity that inmates from other wards are strictly barred from approaching their vicinity. Prison authorities have enforced strict protocols regarding visitor permissions, allowing only authorized individuals to meet them following standard legal procedures.
History of Jails Number 2 and 4
Interestingly, Sourabh Das is lodged in Jail Number 2, which has previously housed several high-profile inmates, including Umar Khalid and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Meanwhile, Ashutosh Ranka is in Jail Number 4, a portion of which was previously used as a Vipassana meditation center and once housed high-profile arms dealer Abhishek Verma.
Legal experts and prison officials note that isolating sensitive high-profile undertrials is a standard administrative procedure to maintain internal security. Police maintain that despite repeated warnings, both leaders persisted in disrupting public order, necessitating strict legal intervention.
Political fallout and opposition criticism
The arrest and subsequent detention of both leaders in Tihar have sparked intense political debate in the national capital. Opposition leaders have severely criticized the government's action, alleging misuse of administrative machinery to suppress the democratic voices of youth and activists.
Conversely, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and central government representatives dismissed these allegations, asserting that protests under the guise of civic activism were intended to create chaos and challenge established constitutional authority. Authorities maintain that the rule of law must prevail.
"Strict legal actions are being taken in accordance with the law against those who attempt to breach public peace despite repeated warnings. All necessary security protocols have been fully implemented inside Tihar Jail." — Senior Police Official, Delhi Police
