AI Summit Protest: 4 IYC Workers in 5-Day Custody

A Delhi court on Saturday granted five-day police custody to four members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) over a protest during the AI Summit at Bharat Mandapam.

According to Delhi Police, the accused staged a shirtless protest inside Hall No. 5 of the venue. Officials told the court that the demonstration was allegedly inspired by recent Gen-Z protests in Nepal and could be part of a broader plan.

Police Version

The public prosecutor informed the court that the protesters raised slogans opposing the India-US trade deal and wore T-shirts carrying messages against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Police sought five-day custody, stating that further investigation was required. The investigating officer reportedly told the court that some individuals involved in the incident had fled and that mobile phones of the accused need to be examined to check possible funding links.

Officials also claimed that three police personnel were injured during the protest. According to sources cited in reports, the accused allegedly engaged in a scuffle with security staff deployed at the venue.

An FIR has been registered, and several charges have been invoked. The four accused are being produced before the Patiala House Court as part of the legal process.

How the Protest Unfolded

Earlier, Delhi Police had detained around 10 Youth Congress workers following the incident.

An ACP from New Delhi district stated that around 15 protesters entered the lobby area of Hall No. 5 after registering online and obtaining QR codes for entry. Once inside, they removed T-shirts worn under their shirts and raised slogans.

Sources quoted in reports said that the protesters initially planned to bring black umbrellas with printed stickers into the venue but later changed their approach, placing printed messages on T-shirts instead.

Investigators are examining whether there was any larger conspiracy behind the demonstration.

Defence Argument

The lawyer representing the accused argued that they were being targeted because of their political affiliation. The defence submitted that political dissent is taking place across the country and should not be suppressed.

The court, after hearing both sides, allowed police custody for five days to continue the investigation.

The case is likely to be closely watched, given that it unfolded during a high-profile AI Summit attended by national and international delegates.

Further developments are expected after the completion of the custodial interrogation and review of digital evidence.