Youth Congress Leaders Detained Following Protest at India AI Impact Summit
New Delhi – Four members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) are in five-day police custody following a protest at the India AI Impact Summit held at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi on February 20, 2026. The Patiala House Court rejected their bail applications on Saturday, February 21, citing concerns over a potential conspiracy and the possibility of evidence tampering.
Details of the Protest and Arrests
The four accused – Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar, and Narasimha Yadav – were arrested on Friday after staging a demonstration during the summit. According to court documents and police statements, the protestors shouted slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and displayed placards alleging “compromised” dealings. Kumar is from Uttar Pradesh, Narasimha Yadav is from Telangana, and Hari and Kundan Yadav are from Bihar.
Police Allege Conspiracy and International Ties
Delhi Police argued before the court that the protest was part of a “larger conspiracy” and drew parallels to a recent demonstration in Nepal. Authorities allege the protest was a pre-planned attempt to disrupt the high-profile event and potentially damage India’s international image. The police further suggested an “international conspiracy to defame India” was at play, according to reports from Republic World and News18.
Court’s Reasoning for Remand
Judicial Magistrate Ravi, in the order remanding the accused to custody, noted that the protestors “orchestrated a premeditated intrusion” into the Bharat Mandapam, a high-security venue. The court also highlighted the use of “provocative T-shirts bearing offensive slogans” and the disruption of public servants. The magistrate stated that the conduct “palpably transcends the ambit of legitimate dissent, metamorphosing into a blatant assault on public order” and could jeopardize India’s diplomatic standing. Republic World reported on the court’s detailed reasoning.
Protestors’ Claims
The accused maintain that their protest was peaceful. As reported by Scroll.in, they described it as a “peaceful protest.” The IYC shared images on X (formerly Twitter) of the demonstration, with the hashtag #PMisCompromised, criticizing the Prime Minister. The Indian Express reported that the protestors also chanted anti-national slogans.
Further Investigation
Delhi Police has indicated that further investigation is needed, citing the possibility of other individuals involved who may have fled the scene. The investigating officer stated there is a “deep conspiracy” and that the five-day custody is necessary for a proper investigation, according to News18.