New Delhi, Oct 14: A wide cross-section of the Harvard community on Wednesday expressed concern over the ‘negative public discourse’ and ‘concerted campaign’ against India’s constitutional institutions, in light of the ongoing Delhi protests against the Election Commission and ‘vote chori’, and also dubbed the assertions by the university’s alumni as “alarming and troubling”.

The Harvard Community, including lawyers, policymakers, civil servants, scientists and academicians, has voiced strong opposition to alleged attempts at using Harvard University’s name to lend credibility to a political campaign without appropriate authorisation.

“In moments such as these, silence cannot be an excuse for indifference,” said many Indian citizens associated with Harvard and other famed Universities, who are signatories to this statement.

This comes a day after about 100 Harvard University alumni comprising students, faculty and staff members condemned the crackdown on the CJP-led protests in the national capital on October 10, while alleging police brutality and violation of constitutional rights.

The signatories to the Harvard community statement expressed deep concern over attempts to malign institutions, such as the Election Commission of India, the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India, and Parliament.

They also took strong exception to the language used to describe India as being under “siege” and to characterise constitutional authorities as “thieves” or “compromised”.

“This raises serious concerns about the intent to undermine public trust in democratic institutions,” the statement said.

It further said that the law enforcement agencies are expected to undergo fair scrutiny, but sweeping accusations and abusive rhetoric cannot be a substitute for evidence.

It also calls for respecting the Constitution, the rule of law, and civil liberties at all times, not just when it suits one’s interests.

“Our commitment must remain to the Constitution, not convenience; to justice, not selective outrage; and to democratic institutions, not the politics of accusation,” it said.

Notably, a day ago, the Harvard Club of India came out with a clarification that it did not endorse or issue any statement from the University regarding the ongoing protests in Delhi.

The club distanced itself from the reported Harvard alumni letter and said the statement did not represent the organisation’s official position, hinting that it was rather their personal opinion.

New Delhi, Oct 14: In connection with the Jantar Mantar trespassing case, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka have been sent to five-day judicial custody on Wednesday, while Ajinkya Shinde was released on personal bond, CJP’s legal affairs head Ratna Singh announced.

The three CJP members were put on preventive arrest for trespassing at Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site. They were booked for “trespass, bond violation, obstruction of public official’s duty, etc”.

Das, Ranka and Shinde were produced before a magistrate at Mandir Marg in New Delhi on Wednesday morning.

“Saurav and Ashutosh sent to 5 days judicial custody. Ajinkya released on personal bond. Same grounds of arrest. Got to know that SEM has track record of punishing protesters,” Ratna Singh said in a post on X.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, along with Das and Ranka, in a case related to the October 10 protest, were released after furnishing a bond of Rs 50,000 and on the condition that they will not be involved in any breach-of-peace cases for a year.

This time, Das and Ranka are booked for trespassing and violation of the bond conditions. They are being treated as repeat offenders.

The three CJP leaders were detained on Tuesday morning for crossing police barricades and entering Jantar Mantar, which has been de-notified as the designated protest site.

They were heading to protest against the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral rolls. They were seen raising slogans against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, while trying to breach the police barricades.

Following this, all three were detained.

On October 12, Jantar Mantar was de-notified as the “designated” protesting site, Delhi Police said. New guidelines for protests were issued under Delhi Police Standing Order No. L&O/48/2026.

According to the Delhi Police, the decision was taken based on the recommendations of a Home Ministry committee.

Three new locations in Delhi — Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and East Delhi’s CBD Ground — have been designated for protests.

New Delhi, Oct 14: Two unidentified assailants shot a man dead in Delhi Sonia Vihar before fleeing the spot, officials said on Wednesday, adding that multiple teams have been formed to arrest the accused.

The incident occurred late on Tuesday, when two bike-borne persons shot 34-year-old Manish Yadav.

“On 13.10.2026, at about 09:13 PM, a firing incident was reported at PS Sonia Vihar. Upon reaching the spot, it was learnt that a person identified as Manish Yadav (34 years), S/o Jai Bhagwan, R/o Service Road, 4.5 Pushta, had been fired upon by two unidentified assailants riding a motorcycle and wearing helmets. The assailants fled the scene after the incident,” police said in a statement.

Injured Manish Yadav was taken to AIIMS Dr Shusruta Trauma Centre in Civil Lines by his family members; however, he succumbed to his injuries during treatment, officials said.

Police said that the forensic teams have inspected the scene of the crime and collected evidence.

Accordingly, Sonia Vihar Police Station has registered FIR No. 249/26 U/s 103(1)/3(5) BNS and 25/27 of the Arms Act.

“Multiple teams have been deployed. There are substantial leads on suspected persons, and they will be arrested soon,” officials added.

Investigation is underway, and further details are awaited.

This comes close on the heels of another shooting incident in Delhi.

On October 5, the Farsh Bazar Police Station received a PCR call about some people entering a house in Bhikham Singh Colony and firing several rounds.

Upon reaching the spot, officials found Javed with bullet and knife injuries. His aunt was also injured in the incident. Both were taken to Hedgewar Hospital.

Javed is an accused in a 2025 murder case, and the attack on him was carried out to avenge the murder, according to the police.

The officials said that four juveniles have been apprehended in connection with the case.