Youth Congress Chief Arrested for Allegedly Masterminding Shirtless AI Summit Protest

Uday Bhanu Chib Booked on Charges of Criminal Conspiracy and Obstructing Public Servants

Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested Indian Youth congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib in connection with the controversial shirtless protest staged during the recently concluded AI Impact Summit in the national capital. His arrest marks the eighth detention linked to the incident, where protesters reportedly raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the international event.

According to police sources, Chib was taken into custody in the early hours of the morning after being questioned for nearly 20 hours. Officials alleged that he was not cooperating fully with the investigation. He has been booked under charges including criminal conspiracy, voluntarily causing harm to a public servant, obstructing a public servant while on duty, and wilful disobedience.

Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil stated that Chib was picked up around 4:30 am and had been held for extended questioning. Police sources claim they possess evidence suggesting his involvement in planning the protest.

Investigators are reportedly examining whether the protest was part of a larger attempt to embarrass India on the global stage during the high-profile AI Summit, which was attended by international delegates and dignitaries.

Case Transferred to Delhi Police Crime Branch

The Delhi Police Crime Branch has taken over the probe, with the Inter-State Cell (ISC) now handling further investigation. Officials have indicated that Chib may be confronted with the seven other arrested suspects who are reportedly linked to the Youth Congress.

Police sources say that the sequence of planning — including where and how the protest strategy was formed — will become clearer once Chib is questioned alongside the other accused individuals.

Defense Claims No Direct Involvement

Chib was produced before the Patiala House Court at 10 a.m., where Delhi Police sought seven days of custody, referring to him as the “mastermind” of the protest. Authorities argued that the investigation required taking the accused to multiple locations, as participants allegedly traveled from various parts of the country to stage the demonstration.

However, Chib’s legal counsel strongly denied the allegations, asserting that the Youth Congress chief neither attended the protest nor issued any directives related to it. His lawyer told the court that Chib was not in communication with anyone about the event and had not provided instructions.

The defense further argued that peaceful protests are common occurrences at major international events and reflect India’s democratic traditions.

Alleged Inspiration from Nepal’s Gen Z Protests

Delhi Police have indicated they are investigating whether the protest was modeled after recent Gen Z demonstrations in Nepal, which resulted in significant political upheaval there. Authorities described the case as a serious investigation involving digital evidence and coordination across states.

One of the aspects under scrutiny is the funding source behind the printed T-shirts worn by the protesters. The shirts reportedly carried slogans such as “PM is compromised,” “India-US trade Deal,” and references to the “Epstein Files.” Police are examining who financed and organized the materials used during the demonstration.

Political Reactions Intensify

The arrest has sparked sharp political reactions. Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized Congress leadership and made controversial remarks targeting Rahul Gandhi following Chib’s arrest.

On the other hand, Congress leaders have condemned the detention. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera described the arrest as shameful, stating that staging peaceful protests is a democratic right.

The shirtless protest has already escalated into a broader political confrontation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticized the Congress during a public rally in Meerut, accusing the party of turning a global event into a platform for what he termed “naked Politics.”

Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, defended the protest, describing it as a non-violent democratic expression and calling peaceful protest the foundation of democracy.

As investigations continue, the case is likely to further intensify political debate over the limits of protest, public order, and political expression at international events hosted by India.