Political Clash Erupts as Delhi and Himachal Pradesh Police Clash Over Youth Congress Protest
A 24-hour standoff between police forces from Delhi and Himachal Pradesh concluded on Thursday, February 26, 2026, after the Delhi Police team was permitted to return to the national capital with three Youth Congress activists arrested in connection with a “shirtless protest” at the AI Impact Summit. The incident sparked a political row, with accusations of illegal arrests and obstruction of justice.
Standoff and Arrests
The Delhi Police team faced multiple detentions by Himachal Pradesh Police after securing a transit remand from the ACJM (Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate). On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Himachal Pradesh Police registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi Police personnel and detained their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla while they were transporting the three Youth Congress members.
The three accused, along with Delhi Police personnel, were brought before ACJM II Ekansh Kapil for medical examinations and subsequent proceedings. Despite the transit remand, the Delhi Police team was again detained at Kanlog early Thursday morning. Shimla police requested the Delhi team return to the capital with the accused and additional personnel, while the remaining Delhi officers were asked to cooperate with the investigation into the alleged kidnapping.
The Shimla police also sought access to digital evidence, including CCTV footage, allegedly gathered during the arrest in Rohru. Delhi Police maintained their responsibility for the safety of the accused and refused to depart any personnel behind.
Allegations and Counter-Allegations
The conflict arose after Delhi Police arrested the three Youth Congress activists – Saurabh, Siddharth, and Arbaz – from a hotel in Chirgaon, Rohru subdivision, on Wednesday morning. Himachal Pradesh Police claimed the arrests were conducted without prior notification, violating established procedures. Delhi Police asserted they had obtained the necessary transit remand.
Shimla police registered a case against 15-20 individuals in plain clothes for allegedly forcibly taking the three individuals and the resort’s CCTV footage. A statement from Shimla police indicated no receipt was provided for the CCTV footage.
A purported video from the Shogi border captured Delhi Police officers stating they had arrested the individuals in connection with the February 20 protest. Shimla Police countered, alleging a case of abduction and accusing Delhi Police of hindering their investigation.
Political Reactions
The incident drew criticism from political leaders. Leader of Opposition in the Himachal Pradesh Assembly, Jai Ram Thakur, accused Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu of prioritizing political gains with Rahul Gandhi over upholding law and order, stating the Himachal Pradesh Police should have cooperated with the Delhi Police.
The “shirtless protest” at Bharat Mandapam on February 20 led to charges of rioting and promoting enmity under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Indian Youth Congress (IYC) president Uday Bhanu Chib and former national spokesperson Bhudev Sharma were arrested on February 24, 2026, and remanded to police custody.
Delhi Police reported a total of 11 arrests related to the protest as of February 26, 2026. A raid on Himachal Sadan in Delhi on February 21, 2026, followed reports that IYC workers involved in the protest were being accommodated there. Chief Minister Sukhu termed the raid “unfortunate and against constitutional procedure.”
Background: The AI Summit Protest
The protests stemmed from criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of the AI Impact Summit, with the Youth Congress alleging a “compromised” Prime Minister and accusing the government of prioritizing a “disorganized PR spectacle” over leveraging India’s talent and data. Indian Express reported the protest as part of a broader political attack by the Congress on the summit’s conduct.
India Today noted the boldness of the protest and the subsequent legal action taken by authorities.
Times of India reported on the ongoing arrests related to the protest, including the fifth arrest made in Gwalior.