Delhi Police Seeks Extended Custody for Youth Congress Chief Over AI Summit Demonstration
Delhi Police on Tuesday formally requested a 7-day police custody for Indian Youth Congress president Udhay Bhanu Chiba, following his arrest in connection with a shirtless protest staged at the Bharat Mandapam during the recent AI Summit. Bhanu was presented before the Judicial Magistrate at Patiala House court after being taken into custody following intensive interrogation by authorities.
Police Allegations and Investigation Details
Police officials stated there was a common intention behind the protest and identified Chiba as the alleged mastermind of the demonstration. According to investigative authorities, the Youth Congress chief not only hatched the conspiracy but also provided crucial logistics and funding to the protesters involved in the incident.
Delhi Police emphasized that the remand request is necessary because other accused individuals are located in various states including Jammu, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh, requiring coordinated investigation efforts across multiple jurisdictions.
Political Reactions and Controversy
The Indian Youth Congress immediately condemned Bhanu's arrest, characterizing it as "anarchy and an undeclared emergency." The organization demanded his immediate release through a statement posted on social media platform X.
"This is anarchy — an undeclared Emergency!" the Youth Congress declared. "A government that fears peaceful protests in a democracy cannot intimidate Youth Congress workers. The BJP is trading away the nation's interests. Congress will not remain silent over this incompetence. Release Uday Bhanu ji and all workers immediately."
Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera added his voice to the criticism, stating: "This is a matter of shame that they have a problem with someone staging a protest peacefully. The dictator will put those in jail who show him the mirror. Have all the terrorists behind the Pulwama, Pahalgam attack, Red Fort blast been arrested? You are not able to arrest those behind the terrorist attacks, but get scared if someone removes their shirt. This is the reality of the government."
Expanding Investigation and Additional Arrests
With Bhanu's arrest, the total number of individuals detained in connection with the protest case has now reached eight. On Monday, police had already arrested three additional suspects identified as Jitendra Yadav, Raja Gujar, and Vimal Ajay Kumar.
- Jitendra Yadav, a resident of Gwalior, serves as the national coordinator of the Indian Youth Congress
- Raja Gujar holds the position of IYC's Gwalior district president
- Vimal Ajay Kumar functions as an office-bearer from Bhind
Four other accused individuals had been apprehended earlier in the investigation, bringing the total detainees to eight before Bhanu's arrest.
Protest Details and Security Breach
According to police reports, the protesters had completed the mandatory online registration process and gained entry to the AI Summit venue using legitimate QR codes. They arrived dressed casually, wearing sweaters and jackets over their T-shirts to conceal their intentions.
Addressing the issue during the summit, Bhanu had declared: "The Indian Youth Congress made it clear that the youth of the country will no longer remain silent. 'PM is compromised' is not just a slogan, but the anger of millions of unemployed youth. This trade deal with the US is a betrayal of the interests of our farmers and the public, which will only benefit the US. Peaceful protest is our right in a democracy, and we will continue to raise the voice of the youth."
Police allege the group staged a coordinated shirtless protest inside the exhibition hall, raising slogans and displaying politically charged messages on their T-shirts, including direct criticisms of the Prime Minister.
Visual Evidence and Security Response
Video footage of the incident shows protesters removing their outer layers after entering the venue, revealing T-shirts bearing anti-PM messages. The individuals were subsequently seen carrying the T-shirts while chanting slogans before being escorted out by security personnel.
Additional videos circulating online depict security staff and some attendees physically pushing the protesters out of the exhibition hall, highlighting the tense atmosphere during the removal process.
The case continues to develop as police pursue their investigation into what they describe as a carefully planned political demonstration that breached security protocols at a high-profile international event.
