ProtestCase – Eight Detained After Disruption at AI Summit in Delhi

ProtestCase –  Delhi Police have invoked rioting provisions and detained eight individuals, including Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, following a protest that unfolded during the India AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam last week. Officials said the action was taken after demonstrators allegedly attempted to push past security barricades while the high-profile event was underway.

The summit, which brought together policymakers, industry leaders and international delegates, was being held under tight security arrangements in the national capital.

Security Breach Attempt During Ongoing Summit

According to senior police officials, the protest occurred on February 20 while dignitaries and foreign representatives were present at the venue. Special Commissioner of Police Devesh Chandra Srivastava stated that authorities believe the attempt to disrupt the event was pre-planned. He described it as part of a larger conspiracy, adding that investigators have collected what they consider substantial evidence related to the incident.

Police officers stationed at the venue intervened when the group allegedly tried to cross the designated security perimeter. Law enforcement personnel said the crowd became aggressive during the scuffle, resulting in minor injuries to several officers who were attempting to contain the situation. The protesters were eventually brought under control and removed from the area.

Rioting Charges and Ongoing Investigation

The case, initially registered for unlawful assembly and related offences, has now been expanded to include charges of rioting. Authorities indicated that the investigation is continuing, with a focus on determining whether the protest was coordinated in advance.

Officers are examining digital communications and other materials as part of the probe. Police sources maintained that the evidence gathered so far supports their claim of a structured plan to disrupt the summit proceedings.

The India AI Impact Summit was positioned as a major platform to discuss the future of artificial intelligence policy, innovation and regulation. Given the presence of international delegates, security arrangements were heightened, officials noted.

Court Grants Police Custody

In a related development, a Delhi court on Tuesday remanded Uday Bhanu Chib to four days of police custody, extending until February 28. The court order allows investigators to question him further in connection with the alleged breach and the broader circumstances surrounding the protest.

Legal representatives for the accused have not yet issued detailed statements in court proceedings available to the public, but further hearings are expected after the custody period concludes.

Political Reactions Intensify

The arrests have triggered sharp political reactions. Senior Congress leaders criticised the police action, describing it as an attempt to suppress dissent. In a post on social media platform X, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed solidarity with members of the Youth Congress. He said peaceful protest is a democratic right and defended the organisation’s actions as part of a broader commitment to accountability.

Gandhi wrote that standing up to authority is not a crime but an expression of patriotism, underscoring the party’s support for those detained.

The incident has added to ongoing political tensions between the ruling establishment and opposition parties, particularly over issues related to public demonstrations and the handling of protests in the capital.

Broader Context of Public Demonstrations

Public protests in Delhi frequently coincide with major national events, often prompting extensive security measures. Authorities typically enforce strict access controls at venues hosting international summits or high-level meetings to prevent disruptions.

While police maintain that their response in this case was necessary to ensure safety and maintain order, opposition leaders argue that dissent should not be equated with criminal intent.

As investigations continue, the matter is expected to remain in focus both legally and politically. Further developments will depend on the findings presented by investigators and the proceedings before the court in the coming days.