The Delhi Police have arrested Uday Bhanu Chib, the National President of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC), in connection with a protest held at Bharat Mandapam. The incident occurred during the ongoing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Summit at the high-security venue. According to police officials, a total of 8 individuals have been arrested in this case so far. Chib is expected to be produced before a local court following the completion of initial legal formalities.
Details of the Arrest and Legal Action
According to official reports from the Delhi Police, the arrest was made on charges of unauthorized assembly and breaching security protocols at Bharat Mandapam. The police stated that the protesters attempted to enter restricted zones while the international summit was in progress. Authorities confirmed that Uday Bhanu Chib would be presented in court after 10 AM. The police are currently investigating the involvement of other individuals who participated in the demonstration to determine if further legal action is required.
Condemnation by Former CM Bhupesh Baghel
The arrest of the IYC President has drawn sharp criticism from senior Congress leadership. ' In a statement shared on social media, Baghel argued that the government is attempting to silence the voice of the youth. He emphasized that in a democracy, raising questions and protesting is a fundamental right and not a criminal act, describing the police action as a direct assault on democratic values.
Nature of the Protest and Congress Stance
The Congress party maintained that the demonstration at Bharat Mandapam was conducted in a peaceful manner. Former CM Baghel stated that the Youth Congress workers didn't engage in any violence or provocation. According to the party, the protest was aimed at highlighting the grievances of the youth and questioning the government's policies. The leadership asserted that the activists were merely exercising their constitutional right to dissent, and the use of police force to curb such activities is an indicator of administrative high-handedness.
Allegations of State Suppression
Opposition leaders have characterized the police intervention as a form of state-sponsored suppression. Baghel noted that the government is increasingly relying on police machinery to stifle legitimate democratic movements, while he described the crackdown as a threat to the freedom of expression. The Congress party has raised concerns over the manner in which the arrests were conducted, alleging that the charges framed against the activists are politically motivated and intended to deter future protests.
Demands for Immediate Release of Activists
The Indian National Congress has formally demanded the immediate release of Uday Bhanu Chib and all other detained IYC workers. The party has called for the withdrawal of all charges, which they claim are baseless. Former CM Baghel urged the authorities to stop such repressive measures immediately. As the legal proceedings continue, security has been tightened around the court premises and Bharat Mandapam to maintain law and order and prevent further demonstrations by party supporters.