New Delhi: The disruption at the prestigious India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam on Friday was the result of a “well-planned conspiracy” by Indian Youth Congress workers aimed at damaging India’s global image, Delhi Police told a city court on Saturday.
Protest Inside Global AI Event Sparks Security Alert
Chaos erupted inside the summit venue when a group of protesters moved through the exhibition hall wearing T-shirts with political slogans and later removed them, chanting slogans critical of the government. The incident unfolded in the presence of international delegates, senior officials, and global technology leaders attending the summit.
Security personnel swiftly intervened and escorted the protesters out of the venue before detaining them.
Police Claim Protest Was Planned, Inspired by Foreign Demonstrations
While seeking custodial remand, Delhi Police informed the Patiala House Court that the incident was not spontaneous but part of a deliberate plan.
“There is a deep conspiracy behind the incident. The accused were inspired by similar Gen-Z protests in Nepal and attempted to replicate the same pattern at a global event in India,” the investigating officer told the court.
Police further stated that the objective was to “defame the country internationally at a time when India was hosting a high-profile global summit.”
Four Youth Congress Workers Arrested
Four Indian Youth Congress members — Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav — were produced before the court on Saturday. Police said the accused came from different locations, coordinated their actions, and printed protest T-shirts in advance.
According to police submissions, “Anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of foreign dignitaries, which posed a serious threat to public order and national reputation.”
Police Seek Custody to Probe Funding and Wider Network
Delhi Police sought five days of custody, arguing that custodial interrogation was necessary to trace other suspects who fled the scene and to recover mobile phones allegedly used for coordination.
“Three police personnel were injured during the incident. Mobile phones need to be recovered to verify communication, planning, and possible funding,” the public prosecutor told the court.
The court granted five days of police remand for further investigation.
Defence Claims Peaceful Protest, Calls FIR Political
The defence counsel argued that the accused were exercising their democratic right to protest and denied allegations of violence or anti-national intent.
“The protest was peaceful. No video shows violence. The FIR is politically motivated. The accused are educated individuals with academic degrees,” the defence lawyer submitted.
Summit Continues Amid Tightened Security
Despite the disruption, summit proceedings continued as scheduled, with authorities tightening security across the venue. Officials said additional measures have been put in place to prevent any further incidents during the remaining sessions of the global AI event.
