New Delhi

Delhi Police on Friday detained four members of the Indian Youth Congress following a protest at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital.

According to police sources, those detained are expected to be presented before the Patiala House Court later in the day. Officials said a scuffle broke out during the demonstration, and multiple charges have been registered in connection with the incident.

Investigators indicated that the protesters had allegedly planned to enter the summit venue carrying black umbrellas bearing printed messages. However, anticipating scrutiny during security checks, they reportedly changed their approach and wore T-shirts with printed slogans concealed beneath sweaters and jackets.

Police said that near Hall No. 5 of the venue, one protester removed his outer garment and displayed the T-shirt in what authorities described as a disruptive act. Additional Commissioner of Police Devesh Mahla stated that the protest occurred around 12:30 pm and that the individuals had registered online to attend the summit before staging the demonstration. Legal proceedings have been initiated, and authorities are examining the origin of the printed materials as part of a broader inquiry.

In a statement posted on social media, the Indian Youth Congress said its members were protesting against what it described as a “compromised Prime Minister” at the AI Summit.

The protest drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which termed the demonstration inappropriate.

Meanwhile, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called on opposition parties to keep the AI Summit above partisan politics. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he said the summit represented a major opportunity to showcase India’s technological capabilities and urged collective support for initiatives that promote innovation and youth participation.

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The protest came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s handling of the summit, alleging that it prioritised publicity over substance.