Shirtless protest at AI Summit triggers arrests in Delhi
Shirtless protest at AI Summit triggers arrests in Delhi
Clashes erupt as BJP and Congress trade barbs over the arrest of Indian Youth Congress leaders after a shirtless protest at the AI Impact Summit in Delhi.
A political slugfest erupted after Delhi Police arrested several Indian Youth Congress leaders following a shirtless protest inside the AI Impact Summit venue, Bharat Mandapam, last week. The protest, staged by a group of Youth Congress members, drew attention to the event and the government's AI agenda.
Eight people have now been detained in connection with the case, including Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib, who was arrested as the demonstration unfolded.
Participants in the protest waved slogans and went shirtless inside an AI expo hall, with messages directed at the Prime Minister, prompting police to intervene to restore order.
BJP and Congress clashed publicly over the arrests, with each side accusing the other of political maneuvering and misuse of law enforcement. The opposition says the detentions amount to intimidation, while authorities argue they were necessary to maintain safety and order at a high-profile international expo.
Beyond the immediate arrests, the incident has raised questions about free expression at political events and the handling of protests within major conference venues in Delhi.
