Tensions erupted between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh police during the Youth Congress’s controversial shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit, escalating from a 5:30 AM raid to a midnight jurisdictional standoff that highlighted inter-state law enforcement friction.
Chronology of the Dramatic Day
Delhi Police’s Crime Branch launched a pre-dawn operation at 5:30 AM, arresting Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and seven activists from their Delhi accommodations for the Bharat Mandapam disruption. Protesters—sporting “Compromised PM” shirts—were allegedly planning further chaos at the high-profile AI event inaugurated by PM Modi.
Himachal Police intervened claiming jurisdiction over three locals, sparking a hours-long deadlock. By midnight, Delhi released the trio to Himachal custody after heated negotiations, with Chib and others remanded till February 28.
Political Firestorm Ignites
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the “shameful” topless stunt at BS Manthan, comparing Congress regret to the Emergency era. BJP accused a “deep conspiracy,” while Rahul Gandhi hailed protesters as “babbar-sher” voicing youth unemployment rage.
277 eminent personalities condemned it as “national dignity betrayal,” demanding stricter action against opposition sabotage.
Broader Implications
The ugly police turf war exposed coordination gaps between states, while the protest—targeting alleged US trade deals harming farmers—further polarized discourse around India’s AI ambitions. Youth Congress faces potential sedition charges amid national security optics.
