A dispute has emerged between the Delhi Police and Abhijit Deepke, convenor of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), over allegations that he was denied access to his phone while in police custody. The Delhi Police have rejected his claims and released a video that they say shows officers allowing him to use a phone and informing him about his grandmother’s death.

Deepke alleged that the police had not allowed him to speak to his lawyer. He also questioned why officers had asked him at around 3:30 a.m. to call his father and tell him that he would remain in jail for a long time.

According to Deepke, he requested permission to speak with a cousin who was with his deceased grandmother and asked for his phone to retrieve the cousin’s contact number. He claimed that the police rejected his request.

In response, the Delhi Police released a video to counter his allegations. According to the police, officers informed Deepke about his grandmother’s death and the funeral arrangements. They also offered several times to help arrange his travel, including by bus or plane, to attend the funeral.

The released video reportedly captures an officer discussing possible travel arrangements and offering assistance. The police also stated that Deepke was given an opportunity to speak with family members, but he reportedly said he could not speak to his father.

I had requested to let me speak to my cousin who lives with my grandmother. Asked for my phone just for a couple of minutes so I could at least take out the number of my cousin. Why Delhi Police didn’t let me use my phone? I had also asked for a call with lawyer which was again denied. At 3:30 in the morning, Delhi Police asks me to call my father and inform him that tomorrow I’ll be going in jail for a long time. The same father who has just lost his mother. How much more trauma did you want to put my family through after we already lost my grandmother? What was the purpose of trying to call my parents at f-ing 3:30 in the morning? You wanted to torment them?

— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) October 11, 2026