In a significant escalation of the high-profile case, Delhi Police has ramped up its actions against Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members involved in the disruptive shirtless protest at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Authorities announced additional arrests, bringing the total to eight, while invoking stringent rioting charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in the ongoing FIR registered at Tilak Marg police station.

Protest Unfolds at Prestigious AI Summit

The controversy ignited on February 19, 2026, when a group of Youth Congress activists boldly stormed Exhibition Hall No. 5 at the Bharat Mandapam venue. Donning white T-shirts emblazoned with images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi alongside provocative slogans like “India-US Trade Deal,” “Epstein Files,” and “PM is Compromised,” the protesters swiftly removed their shirts to amplify their message. This dramatic act triggered immediate chaos, leading to scuffles with security personnel.

The AI Impact Summit, a flagship event showcasing India’s advancements in artificial intelligence amid global collaborations, was overshadowed by the intrusion. Organizers and attendees, including international delegates, witnessed the commotion as police intervened to restore order. The protesters aimed to spotlight alleged compromises in India-US relations, unemployment among youth, and farmer distress, according to IYC statements.

Swift Police Response and Initial Arrests

Delhi Police acted decisively, apprehending four IYC office-bearers on the spot: Krishna Hari (national secretary from Bihar), Kundan Yadav (Bihar state secretary), Ajay Kumar (Uttar Pradesh unit head), and Narasimha Yadav (Telangana). These individuals were produced before Patiala House Court and remanded to five-day police custody. An FIR was promptly filed, citing sections on criminal conspiracy (BNS 61/2), hurt to public servants, assault, obstruction of duty, unlawful assembly, and disobedience to orders.

Investigations revealed a “wider conspiracy angle,” prompting raids across states. Further arrests followed: Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar, and Ajay Kumar from Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh; Ritik alias Monty Shukla from Lalitpur, Uttar Pradesh. By February 23, the probe shifted to the Crime Branch’s Interstate Cell, uncovering concrete evidence of coordinated planning.

High-Profile Arrest of IYC President Uday Bhanu Chib

The plot thickened with the dramatic arrest of IYC national president Uday Bhanu Chib on February 23 after 20 hours of grilling at Parliament Street police station. Chib, a rising star in Congress youth politics, was remanded to four-day custody by a Delhi court. Sources indicate he is accused of masterminding the operation, facing charges including rioting.

The arrest sparked heightened security around Tilak Marg station, with barricades and anti-riot units deployed amid fears of backlash protests. A senior officer emphasized maintaining public order, hinting at preventive measures against unauthorized gatherings.

Enhanced Charges: Rioting Added to FIR

By February 24, Delhi Police amended the FIR to include rioting and provocation provisions, intensifying the legal net around the eight accused. Special CP Crime Branch Devesh Chandra Srivastava confirmed the evidence-based arrests, underscoring the interstate probe’s role. The court directed FIR copies to be supplied, rejecting terrorism-like allegations but upholding serious charges.

This move signals a zero-tolerance stance on disruptions at national events, especially those with international stature like the AI Summit, which highlighted AI’s role in governance, economy, and society under President Trump’s administration’s global tech push.

Political Firestorm Erupts

Congress leaders decried the arrests as vendetta politics. Rahul Gandhi termed the accused “Babbar Sher” (lion-hearted), vowing unwavering support. Pawan Khera alleged PM Modi fears dissent, invoking Congress’s history of non-violent resistance. IYC justified the stunt, questioning platforms for voicing anti-government concerns amid media curbs and street protest bans.

BJP countered sharply, accusing the opposition of sabotaging India’s global image under Rahul Gandhi’s direction. The row has polarized discourse, with social media ablaze over free speech versus public order.

Broader Implications for Youth Politics and AI Events

This episode underscores tensions in India’s polarized polity, where youth wings like IYC use bold tactics to grab headlines on unemployment, trade deals, and foreign policy. The AI Impact Summit, attended by tech moguls and policymakers, aimed to position India as an AI powerhouse, but the protest spotlighted youth frustrations.

Legal experts note the charges could set precedents for handling event disruptions. As investigations continue, more arrests loom, potentially drawing in higher Congress brass. For Jammu and Kashmir observers, it mirrors regional protest dynamics against central policies.

Public and Media Reactions

Social media erupted with #FreeYouthCongress and #AISummitProtest trending. Supporters hailed the activists’ courage; critics labeled it hooliganism. National media coverage intensified the national spotlight, with TV debates pitting free expression against law enforcement.

In New Delhi’s charged atmosphere, the case tests democratic boundaries. State Correspondents will monitor court proceedings and political fallout closely.