The Delhi Police’s Crime Branch has taken custody of Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President Uday Bhanu Chib and seven others in connection with the shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit. Chib has been remanded to four days of police custody by a Delhi court following his arrest. The investigating agency has labeled Chib as the “main conspirator and mastermind” behind the incident.
Chib was produced before the Patiala House Court after his arrest, where the prosecution sought seven days of custodial interrogation, emphasizing the need to uncover the larger conspiracy. The defence opposed the plea for prolonged custody, leading to the court granting four days of police custody for further investigation. Subsequently, the case was transferred to the Crime Branch.
Accused of organizing an unlawful assembly on February 20 at Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit and Expo 2026, Chib faces allegations of inciting anti-national slogans and attempting to create a riot-like situation. The police claim that Chib, along with other individuals, obstructed and assaulted police officials during the protest. Additionally, Chib is accused of withholding information about absconding co-accused and the source of the printed T-shirts used in the protest.
Chib’s arrest came after extensive questioning at the Tilak Marg police station regarding the shirtless protest staged on the final day of the India AI Impact Summit. The protest sparked a political controversy, with the BJP criticizing it as damaging India’s global reputation, while the Congress party defended it as a peaceful expression of youth concerns. Even Congress’ allies in the Opposition INDIA bloc have voiced criticism against the youth wing for the protest.
