Saurav Das, a New Delhi-based independent investigative journalist, is the Chief Spokesperson of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that has gained attention through protests and public debates around examination security, administrative accountability and employment concerns.Before joining CJP, Das built his profile through investigative journalism, transparency campaigns and legal affairs reporting. His transition from a reporter working on government accountability issues to a prominent political voice has brought renewed focus on his education, career and activism.
Saurav Das education: Journalism background from Amity University
Saurav Das completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University. He pursued the course from 2016 to 2019.During his university years, Das developed an interest in transparency and public accountability. He began filing Right to Information (RTI) applications in 2017 at the age of 18, which later became a significant part of his work as an independent journalist.His early engagement with RTI processes helped him investigate issues related to government functioning, access to information and public records.
From newsroom experience to independent journalism
During his final year of college, Das gained newsroom experience through an internship on the news desk of a leading Indian media organisation between December 2018 and January 2019.After completing his studies, he moved towards independent journalism and began publishing investigative reports from 2020 onwards. His work has focused on transparency, judicial accountability and legal affairs.His articles and columns have appeared in publications including The Caravan, Article 14, Al Jazeera, The Wire, The Hindu and New Lines Magazine.Alongside journalism, Das also worked in media and content-related roles. He served as a Post Video Producer from October 2021 to April 2022 and later worked as a Content Associate at GLG from May 2022 to March 2023.
RTI activism and legal accountability work
Das has used RTI applications as a tool for investigative reporting. His published work includes reports based on government responses and public documents.During the Covid-19 pandemic, he challenged the central government in the Delhi High Court over issues related to non-disclosure of development data and privacy protocols connected with the Aarogya Setu application.He is also working on his debut book, Complicit Silence: The Court’s Role in India’s Quiet Suffering, which examines questions surrounding accountability within India’s judicial system.
Saurav Das and his rise in the CJP movement
The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical online response to a statement by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant but later developed into a broader youth-led campaign. The movement has focused on issues including exam security, administrative reforms and employment-related concerns.Das became one of CJP’s most visible representatives due to his background in journalism and his ability to present arguments through data, documents and legal references.Alongside CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, policy strategist Ashutosh Ranka and lawyer Ratna Singh, Das has been involved in presenting the movement’s views in public discussions, interviews and protests.
Public attention after Kangana Ranaut exchange
Das gained wider attention after a public exchange with BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut during an interview on Mojo Story. The discussion involved comments related to Gen Z protesters, after which Das’s response attracted significant attention on social media.Following the exchange, Ranaut’s remarks questioning Das’s background and status as a young activist further increased online discussion around him.
Growing digital presence
Since becoming associated with CJP, Das’s social media presence has expanded significantly. He has shared updates related to protests, interviews and movement activities across platforms.His journey from a journalism student and RTI activist to an investigative reporter and CJP spokesperson reflects a career built around public information, accountability reporting and political communication.
