Delhi Police Expands Investigation into AI Summit Protest, Arrests Youth Congress President
In a significant development, Delhi Police has arrested Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib on Monday night in connection with protests that occurred during the high-profile AI summit at Bharat Mandapam on February 20. The arrest marks a major escalation in the investigation as authorities now probe what they describe as a "larger and well-planned conspiracy" allegedly aimed at creating unrest during the international event.
Investigation Transferred to Crime Branch
The case has now been transferred to the crime branch for comprehensive investigation. According to police sources, Chib was questioned extensively about the identities of other individuals involved in the protest and the source of the politically charged T-shirts displayed during the demonstration. The protest featured anti-PM slogans and included a shirtless demonstration that drew significant attention.
During his interrogation, Chib allegedly remained uncooperative and evasive in his responses, which ultimately led to his formal arrest. Police have secured four days of custody for further questioning, during which they aim to determine who gave the final authorization for the protest activities.
Police Commissioner Details Security Concerns
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava revealed that the alleged conspiracy aimed at breaching security cordons in front of dignitaries, representatives, and visitors attending the international summit. While the individuals were quickly brought under control, several police personnel sustained injuries while restraining the protesters.
"During investigation, several individuals were identified on CCTV footage from the venue and surrounding areas," Srivastava stated. "It was also found out that they had received assistance from others to carry out the act, and subsequent arrests were made."
Multiple Legal Charges Filed
An FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity, hatred or disharmony, common intention, and making imputations or assertions prejudicial to national integration. Two additional sections—191(1) for rioting and 192 for provocation to riot—were later added to the charges.
Prior to Chib's arrest, seven Indian Youth Congress workers had already been taken into custody for their involvement in the protest. These included three individuals from Gwalior—Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar, and Vimal Ajay Kumar. Additionally, the organization's Uttar Pradesh general secretary Ritik, also known as Monty Shukla, was detained from Lalitpur.
Expanding Investigation and Security Measures
With Chib now in custody, the total number of people held in connection with the case has risen to eight. In anticipation of possible unrest following his arrest, police have heightened security across key locations throughout the national capital.
A senior police officer explained that considering the multi-state nature of the case, the financial and logistical networks linking the accused, and the extensive investigation required, the matter has been transferred to the crime branch's inter-state cell. The officer confirmed that conclusive evidence has been collected and that all accused remain in custody while raids continue in other states to uncover the full extent of the alleged conspiracy.
Administrative Changes Unrelated to Protest
Meanwhile, Devesh Kumar Mahla, New Delhi deputy commissioner of police, has been cleared to join his central deputation to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Though the order had been issued earlier, he had been continuing in his role as DCP. Police brass have denied reports suggesting that this administrative move was linked to any security lapse concerning the protest at the AI summit.
The investigation continues to develop as authorities work to piece together what they believe was a coordinated effort to disrupt the high-profile international event through planned protest activities.
