Delhi Police Arrests Youth Congress Leader Amid Protests at AI Impact Summit
Arrest of Youth Congress President
On Tuesday, Delhi police apprehended Uday Bhanu Chhib, the national president of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), in connection with the tumultuous protests that occurred during the AI Impact Summit in the capital last week. With Chhib's arrest, the total number of individuals detained in this high-profile case has reached eight.
What Happened at Bharat Mandapam?
During the international conference held at Bharat Mandapam in Pragati Maidan last Friday, Youth Congress activists breached security barriers and entered Hall Number 5. Inside, they protested shirtless, chanting slogans against the government and the India-US interim trade agreement. According to police reports, these demonstrators gained entry to the venue by deceitfully registering online using a QR code.
Increased Security Measures in the Capital
Following Chhib's arrest, police have heightened security across key locations in the capital due to anticipated protests. The total number of arrests related to this incident now stands at eight. Last Friday, seven Youth Congress members were detained, three of whom were captured in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar, and Ajay Kumar. Additionally, Ritik alias Monty Shukla, the general secretary of the Youth Congress in Uttar Pradesh, was taken into custody from Lalitpur in the state.
Senior officials have indicated that extra forces have been deployed to sensitive areas, particularly in New Delhi. Security has been intensified around the Tilak Marg police station, where Chhib is currently held, with barricades set up at strategically important locations and riot control teams on standby.
Preparedness for Law and Order Situations
Authorities have instructed quick response teams (QRT) and additional paramilitary units to remain on alert to handle any law and order situations. Senior officials have directed ground personnel to ensure smooth traffic flow.
A senior officer stated, 'Our priority is to maintain public order and ensure that daily life is not disrupted. Preventive measures may be implemented if any group attempts to gather without permission.'
According to police, additional sections under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) have been added to the FIR, including 196 (promoting enmity between different groups) and 197 (harmful statements against national unity), which carry a penalty of up to three years in prison.
Charges Against Protesters
Charges of criminal conspiracy, obstructing a public servant in the discharge of duty, disobedience to a duly promulgated order, unlawful assembly, and shared intent have already been included in the FIR. A group of Youth Congress activists protested inside Hall Number 5 of the conference venue, removing their shirts and holding T-shirts with slogans against the government and the India-US interim trade agreement, after which they were removed by security personnel.
Police reported that the accused had registered online to obtain QR codes for entry into the venue. This incident has sparked a political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) labeling it a 'shameful act that tarnishes India's image on the global stage,' while the Indian Youth Congress defended it as a 'peaceful' protest aimed at safeguarding national interests.
A senior police official mentioned that the role of each accused is under investigation, and further arrests may occur. 'We are analyzing CCTV footage, digital evidence, and entry records to trace the sequence of events and identify others involved in planning and executing the protest,' he stated.
Another senior officer noted that investigators are also looking into the alleged conspiracy aspects and the financial transactions behind the protest, including who funded the printing of slogans on the T-shirts. 'We are examining whether a coordinated effort was made and how the materials were arranged,' the officer added.