Protest at AI Impact Summit venue: Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib sent to four-day police custody

NEW DELHI: Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib has been sent to four days of police custody in connection with a protest held at the AI Impact Summit venue at Bharat Mandapam. Delhi Police had sought seven days of custody, but the court granted four days.

Police informed the court that Uday Bhanu Chib was the main organiser of the protest. The prosecution argued that the demonstration was part of a planned conspiracy and alleged that Uday Bhanu was the one who arranged the necessary arrangements for the protest. Investigators also stated that other accused persons linked to the case are located in Jammu, Amethi, and Himachal Pradesh, and that Uday Bhanu's custodial interrogation is required to trace them and understand the larger conspiracy. Police further alleged that officials were assaulted and that their duties were obstructed during the protest.

The defence lawyer strongly opposed the request for police custody, stating that Uday Bhanu Chib has been cooperating with the investigation and has already appeared for questioning twice. He reportedly told investigators that he was unaware of where the T-shirts used during the protest were printed. The defence argued that the investigation could proceed without placing him in custody.

The protest was carried out by Youth Congress workers during the Artificial Intelligence Summit held at Bharat Mandapam on February 20. The protesters wore T-shirts bearing slogans against the central government, and the situation escalated, leading to police action and arrests.