Delhi Police Makes Eighth Arrest in AI Summit Shirtless Protest Case
In a significant development, Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested Indian Youth Congress chief Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the controversial shirtless protest that occurred at Bharat Mandapam during the high-profile artificial intelligence summit. This arrest represents the eighth individual taken into custody related to this incident, which has drawn widespread attention and condemnation from authorities.
Expanding Investigation Leads to Multiple Arrests
The investigation has been expanding rapidly, with police making arrests across different locations. Earlier on Monday, authorities apprehended Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior while actively tracing the remaining protesters involved in the demonstration. This follows Saturday's judicial proceedings where a Patiala court sent four accused individuals to five-day police custody.
The four individuals remanded to custody include Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav. They face charges under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), specifically Sections 121 for voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from duty and Section 61(2) for criminal conspiracy. These are serious offences that carry potential punishment exceeding three years of imprisonment.
Court's Strong Condemnation of Protest Actions
During the court proceedings, the magistrate delivered a strongly worded statement regarding the nature of the protest. The court described the shirtless demonstration as a "blatant assault on public order" that endangered India's diplomatic standing on the international stage.
The magistrate elaborated further, stating: "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." This judicial commentary underscores the serious view authorities are taking of the protest's potential consequences.
Details of the Controversial Protest
The protest itself occurred on the final day of the five-day artificial intelligence summit, an event that attracted global leaders and technology experts from around the world to discuss developments and the future of AI technology. A group of Youth Congress activists staged what has been described as a high-profile demonstration at the Bharat Mandapam venue.
During the protest, the accused individuals displayed T-shirts featuring images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, alongside various slogans criticizing the government and opposing the India-US trade deal. The situation escalated into a physical confrontation, with protesters involved in a scuffle with security personnel tasked with maintaining order at the prestigious international event.
The timing of the protest was particularly sensitive, occurring during a major international gathering that showcased India's technological ambitions and diplomatic engagements. The summit represented a significant platform for global dialogue about artificial intelligence, making security and decorum particularly important considerations for event organizers and authorities.
As the investigation continues, authorities are examining all aspects of the protest organization and execution. The multiple arrests indicate a comprehensive approach to addressing what has been characterized as a serious breach of public order during an internationally significant event. The case continues to develop as police pursue their inquiries into the planning and execution of the demonstration.
