In a significant development in the Youth Congress AI Summit protest case, Delhi Police has arrested a fifth accused linked to the disruption at the Bharat Mandapam venue during the high-profile artificial intelligence summit in New Delhi. The accused, Jitendra Yadav, was apprehended from Gwalior and has been sent to two-day police custody for further questioning.

The arrest comes days after four Congress Youth Wing workers were taken into custody in connection with the same incident. The case pertains to a protest staged during the India AI Impact Summit, which was being held at Bharat Mandapam.

Fifth Accused Sent to Police Custody

According to officials, Jitendra Yadav is associated with the Youth Congress and is believed to have played a role in coordinating or participating in the protest. Following his arrest, he was produced before the Patiala House Court, which granted two-day police custody to facilitate further investigation.

Earlier, four Congress Youth Wing members—Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav—were arrested in the case. On Saturday, the court denied their bail applications and remanded them to five days of police custody.

The court’s decision indicates that investigators require additional time to examine evidence, review digital communications, and ascertain the level of planning involved in the protest.

What Happened at the AI Summit?

The incident took place on Friday during the final day of the five-day AI summit, which had drawn global leaders, policymakers and technology experts to discuss the future of artificial intelligence.

Eyewitnesses reported that a group of Youth Congress activists stood up during one of the morning sessions and began shouting slogans against the central government. In a dramatic display, the protesters removed their shirts inside the hall to draw attention to their demands.

The protest was reportedly aimed at opposing a trade agreement with the United States. Delegates inside the summit hall were visibly surprised as security personnel quickly intervened to control the situation.

The disruption occurred at a time when India was hosting international participants to deliberate on emerging AI technologies, governance frameworks and digital innovation strategies. Organisers moved swiftly to restore order, and the summit proceedings resumed after a brief interruption.

Legal and Security Implications

The arrest of multiple Youth Congress workers highlights the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident. Events of global significance such as the AI summit are typically protected by multi-layered security arrangements.

Investigators are reportedly examining CCTV footage, digital evidence, and mobile phone data to determine whether the protest was pre-planned and if more individuals were involved.

The charges could include unlawful assembly, disruption of public function, and other related offences under Indian law. The exact sections invoked are expected to become clearer as the investigation progresses.

Political Reactions Intensify

The protest and subsequent arrests have triggered a political storm. Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly criticised the Congress party for the actions of its youth wing.

Speaking publicly, he accused the party of repeatedly disrupting parliamentary proceedings and now creating chaos at an international summit. He stated that the protest at the AI Global Summit broke established norms and embarrassed the country during a prestigious global event.

According to the Prime Minister, even some Congress supporters were taken aback by the conduct of the party’s youth workers.

On the other hand, Congress leaders have defended the right to protest, though they have not publicly endorsed the manner in which the demonstration was carried out inside the summit venue.

Youth Congress AI Summit Protest News Gains Attention

The Youth Congress AI Summit protest news has quickly gained traction across media platforms and social networks. Images and videos from inside Bharat Mandapam circulated widely, intensifying public debate about protest methods and political dissent.

For the ruling party, the incident is being projected as an example of irresponsible opposition behaviour during a globally significant technology event. For opposition supporters, it reflects frustration over policy decisions and trade negotiations.

The episode underscores the growing intersection between political activism and high-profile national events.

Role of Courts and Custodial Investigation

The decision of Patiala House Court to deny bail and remand the accused to police custody indicates that the judiciary sees merit in allowing investigators time to probe deeper.

Police custody enables questioning of the accused, confrontation with evidence, and reconstruction of events leading up to the protest. Authorities may also examine whether the protest was spontaneous or part of a coordinated strategy.

The fifth accused being arrested from Gwalior suggests that the investigation extended beyond Delhi, tracking individuals across state lines.

AI Summit’s Broader Context

The India AI Impact Summit was organised to position India as a global leader in artificial intelligence governance and innovation. The five-day event featured panel discussions, keynote speeches, and bilateral meetings with international stakeholders.

Hosting such a summit at Bharat Mandapam symbolised India’s technological ambitions. The disruption, therefore, acquired greater political and diplomatic sensitivity.

While the protest lasted only a short duration, its symbolic impact was amplified due to the nature of the event and the presence of global delegates.

Freedom of Protest vs Public Order

The case has reignited debate over the limits of political protest. India’s Constitution guarantees the right to freedom of speech and peaceful assembly. However, such rights are subject to reasonable restrictions, especially concerning public order and security.

Protests inside secured venues hosting international summits raise concerns about safety and protocol adherence. Authorities argue that maintaining order is essential to protect participants and uphold India’s global image.

Opposition voices counter that dissent is an integral part of democracy and should not be criminalised.

What Lies Ahead?

As the investigation progresses, more details may emerge regarding planning, coordination, and motive. Police are likely to scrutinise call records and social media communication among the accused.

The judicial process will determine whether formal charges are framed and whether the accused remain in custody or secure bail in subsequent hearings.

Politically, the Youth Congress AI Summit protest case may continue to be used by both sides to reinforce their narratives—one focusing on disruption and law enforcement, the other on protest and dissent.

Conclusion

The arrest of the fifth accused in the Bharat Mandapam AI Summit protest case marks another step in the unfolding investigation. With multiple Youth Congress workers in custody and court proceedings underway, the matter has both legal and political dimensions.

As Delhi Police continues its probe and Patiala House Court monitors the case, the incident stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between democratic expression and public order during high-profile international events.

The coming days will be crucial in determining how the case shapes the broader political discourse surrounding protest, accountability and national image.

Join our Telegram Channel for Latest News and Regular Updates.

Start your Mutual Fund Journey  by Opening Free Account in Asset Plus.

Start your Stock Market Journey and Apply in IPO by Opening Free Demat Account in Choice Broking FinX.