New Delhi, February 24:The Delhi Police Crime Branch on Tuesday confirmed the arrest of eight individuals, including Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, in connection with the 'shirtless' protest during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.
At a press briefing, Devesh Chandra Srivastava, Special CP Crime Branch of Delhi Police, stated that substantial evidence had been uncovered, revealing the protest was part of a "deep conspiracy." "Based on the investigation so far, we have gathered solid evidence indicating this was orchestrated under a well-planned conspiracy. The case has now been transferred to the Interstate Cell of the Crime Branch for a detailed investigation," he said.
An official added that an FIR was filed at the Tilak Marg Police Station, charging the arrested individuals under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). "So far, eight individuals have been arrested, including key office-bearers of the Indian Youth Congress. All suspects were interrogated after being taken into police custody," the official revealed.
On February 20, members of the Indian Youth Congress staged a 'shirtless' protest at Bharat Mandapam, the venue of the AI Impact Summit. The protesters, who stripped off their shirts, displayed placards that read "Compromised Prime Minister" to voice their dissent.
According to the police, Chib, along with the other arrested individuals, has been charged with several sections of the BNS, including Section 196, which pertains to promoting enmity between groups based on religion, race, birthplace, residence, or language—a non-bailable offense. The charges also include Section 61(2) for criminal conspiracy, Section 121(1) for voluntarily causing harm to prevent a public servant from performing their duty, and Section 132 for assaulting or using criminal force to deter a public servant from performing their duty.
Chib faces further charges under Section 195(1) for obstructing a public servant during riot suppression, Section 221 for hindering the discharge of public functions, Section 223(A) for disobeying orders from a public servant, Section 190 for offenses committed by members of an unlawful assembly, Section 197 for making statements prejudicial to national integration, and Section 3(5) for common intention.
Following his arrest, Uday Bhanu Chib was brought before the Patiala House Court.
