Youth Congress Protest at AI Summit Leads to Arrests and Scrutiny

New Delhi – Ten members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) were detained by Delhi Police on Friday, February 20, 2026, following a protest at the AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam. The demonstration involved the protesters removing their shirts and displaying T-shirts with slogans critical of the government and the India-US trade deal .

Protest Details and Allegations

The IYC workers allegedly breached security protocols to enter the summit venue and raised what Delhi Police described as “anti-national” slogans, attempting to harm India’s “prestige” during the event attended by foreign delegates . Police stated the protest was reminiscent of demonstrations seen in Nepal and suggested a conspiracy to defame the country internationally .

The protesters reportedly concealed T-shirts bearing images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former US President Donald Trump, along with slogans referencing the “India-US Trade Deal” and “Epstein Files” . The protest lasted only a few minutes but caused a disruption at the summit.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Four IYC leaders – Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav – were arrested in connection with the protest and brought before the Patiala House Court on Saturday, February 21, 2026 . Delhi Police sought a five-day remand to investigate the incident further and identify other individuals involved.

The prosecution argued that the protest occurred in front of foreign delegates, potentially damaging India’s reputation and alleging that the protesters assaulted police personnel . The court granted a five-day police custody for the arrested individuals.

Political Reactions

The incident drew criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who characterized the protest as an attempt to sabotage India’s global image .