On Saturday, the Delhi Police requested a five-day custody of four individuals who participated in a shirtless protest at the Bharat Mandapam during the AI summit. In their application for remand, the police stated that the protest mirrored a recent demonstration in Nepal and suggested that there may be an agenda to tarnish India’s image on an international scale. The public prosecutor informed the court that the accused were chanting anti-national slogans in opposition to the India-US trade agreement and wearing T-shirts with messages critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Probe Into Wider Conspiracy, Funding Links Under Scanner

When questioned about the rationale for a five-day custody request, the investigating officer indicated that a broader conspiracy might exist, highlighted by the fact that additional suspects had fled the area. The police emphasized the need for custody to conduct a comprehensive investigation. They also noted that three police personnel sustained injuries during the altercation and that the accused’s mobile devices needed to be retrieved for further examination to ascertain financial backing for the protest.

Accused from Different Cities; Defence Alleges Political Targeting

Notably, the four arrested individuals originated from different locations, convening to produce T-shirts for the protest. Meanwhile, the defense attorney argued that the accused were being unfairly targeted due to their affiliation with an opposition party. The lawyer contended that political dissent should not be suppressed in this manner and emphasized that protests are occurring widely.

IYC Members Detained; FIR Filed with Serious Charges

Following the demonstration, the Delhi Police initially took into custody around ten Indian Youth Congress (IYC) members. An Assistant Commissioner of Police, Devesh Mahla, reported that approximately 15 demonstrators had breached the lobby area of Hall No. 5 and began shouting slogans after removing their outer shirts. The four detained protestors are expected to be presented before the Patiala House Court, with a First Information Report (FIR) being filed that includes multiple serious allegations against them.

Security Breach, Alleged Struggle with Police Under Investigation

Officials indicated that the arrested individuals had reportedly engaged in a lengthy struggle with security personnel and police officers stationed at the venue. Investigators are probing the possibility of a larger conspiracy surrounding this incident. Reports from various sources indicate that the protestors acquired QR codes online for entry into the venue prior to staging their demonstration inside Hall No. 5.

Protest Strategy Shifted from Umbrellas to T-Shirts to Evade Checks

Some protestors reportedly argued vocally with attendees before being escorted away by security. Witnesses claimed that the protestors also exhibited aggressive behavior towards police officers on duty, which could lead to the application of non-bailable charges. Initially, the demonstrators had intended to affix printed stickers onto black umbrellas and stealthily bring them into the Bharat Mandapam. However, they later modified their strategy, opting instead to place the stickers on T-shirts out of concern that the umbrellas would attract too much scrutiny from security staff at the gates.

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