Uday Bhanu Chib Arrested Over AI Impact Summit Protest: 8 Held, Congress Alleges ‘British Era-Like Rule’
Digital Desk
Uday Bhanu Chib arrested in AI Impact Summit protest case; 8 held as Congress alleges suppression of dissent.
Uday Bhanu Chib Arrested After 20-Hour Interrogation in AI Impact Summit Protest Case
In a major political development in the national capital, Uday Bhanu Chib arrested by the Delhi Police in connection with the protest and alleged commotion during the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. The Indian Youth Congress (IYC) National President was interrogated for nearly 20 hours on February 23 before being formally taken into custody.
So far, eight individuals have been arrested in the case, including Youth Congress leader Jitendra Yadav from Gwalior. The incident has sparked sharp political reactions, intensifying the debate over protest rights and political dissent in India.
What Happened Inside Bharat Mandapam?
The incident dates back to February 20, when 11 Youth Congress members allegedly entered Bharat Mandapam after registering online and scanning QR codes for entry into the AI Impact Summit.
According to police officials:
Protesters removed their jackets inside the venue.
They waved white T-shirts displaying photos of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump.
Slogans reading “PM is compromised” were displayed.
Anti-government slogans were raised during the summit proceedings.
Investigators claim that protest materials were concealed under clothing to bypass security checks. Additional T-shirts and posters were later recovered from a vehicle allegedly linked to one of the accused.
An FIR has been registered at Tilak Nagar Police Station under non-bailable sections. Earlier, Patiala House Court sent four of the accused to five days of police remand.
Congress Calls It Suppression of Democratic Rights
Following the arrest, Youth Congress National General Secretary Shesh Narayan Ojha accused the government of curbing democratic dissent.
He stated that peaceful protest cannot be termed anti-national and compared the action to “British-era rule.” According to him, protest is a democratic right guaranteed under the Constitution.
Ojha further alleged that:
Police used lathi-charge and water cannons in multiple states.
Youth Congress workers were detained at Jantar Mantar.
Leaders were targeted to silence opposition voices.
The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib has therefore become more than a law-and-order issue—it has turned into a political flashpoint between Congress and the ruling party.
BJP Reacts, Investigation Continues
The Bharatiya Janata Party staged protests across Delhi, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, accusing Congress leaders of insulting the Prime Minister and disrupting an international-level summit focused on artificial intelligence.
BJP leaders described the act as an embarrassment on a global platform, especially at a time when India is positioning itself as a global AI hub.
Meanwhile, Delhi Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are working to:
Identify additional participants.
Trace the printing source of protest materials.
Examine security lapses at the venue.
Why This Matters Now
The AI Impact Summit comes at a crucial time when India is strengthening its digital and AI ecosystem. Disruptions at such events raise questions about security protocols, political tensions, and the boundaries of democratic protest.
With national elections and political polarization shaping the public discourse, the Uday Bhanu Chib arrested case is likely to remain in headlines in the coming days.
The arrest of Uday Bhanu Chib has added a new chapter to the ongoing political confrontation between Congress and the BJP. While police maintain that the action was necessary under the law, the Youth Congress calls it suppression of dissent.
As investigations proceed, the case underscores a larger national debate: Where should the line be drawn between protest and disruption?
The coming days will determine whether this remains a legal matter—or evolves into a broader political storm.
