Delhi Police calls Youth Congress's AI summit shirtless protest 'Nepal-inspired'
What's the story
The Delhi Police has arrested four Indian Youth Congress (IYC) leaders for staging a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Bharat Mandapam. The accused have been identified as Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav, according to Hindustan Times. They were produced before the Patiala House Court on Saturday morning. The police sought a five-day remand for the accused, alleging that their actions were part of a conspiracy to defame India internationally.
Protest strategy
Protesters removed by security personnel
The protesters had entered Hall No. 5 of Bharat Mandapam, removing their shirts to reveal T-shirts with anti-government slogans, according to ACP (New Delhi), Devesh Mahla. They were later removed by security personnel at the venue. The police are now investigating whether there was a larger conspiracy behind this protest, which they likened to a similar incident in Nepal.
Legal proceedings
Accused exercising right to peaceful protest, lawyer argues
The accused's lawyer argued that they were exercising their right to protest peacefully and claimed that the FIR was politically motivated. The lawyer also pointed out that all alleged offenses carry a punishment of up to seven years. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police is questioning IYC President Uday Bhanu Chib at Parliament Street police station as part of their investigation into this incident.
Ongoing probe
Police probing larger conspiracy behind protest
The police are also probing if there was a larger conspiracy behind the protest. They have detained around 10 IYC workers initially, with raids underway to arrest more agitators. The protesters allegedly registered online to get QR codes for entry into Bharat Mandapam before staging their protest inside Hall No 5. Some heated arguments ensued with attendees before security personnel intervened.
Protest strategy
Protesters allegedly manhandled police officers on duty
The accused had initially planned to use black umbrellas with printed stickers, but changed their strategy to T-shirts, fearing security scrutiny. They allegedly manhandled police officers on duty, which could lead to non-bailable charges. The police are now scanning over 15 video clips and footage from the event in a bid to identify more protesters involved in this incident.