New Delhi : Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) co-convener Ashutosh Ranka and several party workers were detained by Assam Police in Guwahati on Sunday ahead of a planned regional volunteers’ meeting, according to reports and statements from the party. More than 30 workers were reportedly detained, although the higher figure claimed by the party could not be independently verified.

The meeting was initially scheduled at Assam Shree Parshuram Seva Sadan in Athgaon but was later shifted to Chowdhury Tila, opposite the Assam Secretariat. CJP leaders alleged that pressure was placed on the original venue to cancel the booking.

Ranka had said the organisation planned to raise issues concerning government schools and other local concerns in Assam. He also alleged that authorities were attempting to prevent the group from conducting its activities. These allegations have been made by CJP and have not been independently established.

Following the detentions, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said on social media that Ranka had been picked up from a private residence and claimed that the grounds for his detention had not been communicated to him. Dipke said he would travel to Assam with other CJP members if Ranka was not released, adding, “Himanta can arrest us all.”

The CJP has said it intends to continue its activities in Assam, including its campaign focusing on government-school conditions and outreach concerning electoral-roll revisions. As of the latest reports available on Sunday, the Assam Police had not publicly detailed the legal grounds for the reported detentions.

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