Fifth Arrest Made in Youth Congress AI Summit Protest Case
Delhi Police on Monday arrested Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior, marking the fifth apprehension in connection with the Youth Congress protest that occurred at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit. This development follows earlier detentions as authorities continue to trace remaining individuals involved in the incident.
Evidence Recovery and Previous Arrests
According to police officials, investigators recovered T-shirts and posters used in the Indian Youth Congress protest at the AI Summit from the car of Indian Youth Congress leader Krishna Hari. This evidence forms part of the ongoing investigation into the demonstration that took place during the high-profile international event.
On Saturday, a Patiala court sent four accused individuals to five-day police custody. Those remanded include Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav. The court applied provisions under BNS Sections 121 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy), both carrying potential punishments exceeding three years.
Court's Strong Condemnation of Protest
While hearing the matter, the court delivered a strongly worded statement describing the 'shirtless' protest as a "blatant assault on public order" that endangered India's diplomatic standing on the global stage.
The magistrate stated: "Such conduct palpably transcends the ambit of legitimate dissent, metamorphosing into a blatant assault on public order. It imperils not merely the event's sanctity but also the Republic's diplomatic image before foreign stakeholders, rendering it wholly unprotected by constitutional safeguards."
Protest Details and International Context
The controversial protest occurred during the AI Impact Summit-2026 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, an event that attracted:
- Global technology leaders
- International policymakers
- Entrepreneurs from around the world
According to police reports, the accused protesters displayed T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump, alongside slogans criticizing the government and opposing the India-US trade deal. The demonstration escalated into a physical scuffle with security personnel present at the venue.
Police initially arrested the four protesters on Friday for staging the 'shirtless protest' inside the exhibition hall of Bharat Mandapam. The latest arrest of Jitendra Yadav represents continued law enforcement action as the investigation progresses.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Status
The case has drawn significant attention due to:
- The high-profile nature of the international summit where the protest occurred
- The court's strong language regarding the protest's impact on diplomatic relations
- The ongoing police investigation that continues to identify and apprehend additional individuals connected to the incident
Delhi Police officials have indicated that their investigation remains active as they work to identify any remaining individuals involved in organizing or participating in the protest demonstration.
