Delhi Police arrested Indian Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib early Tuesday in connection with the shirtless protest at the recent AI Impact Summit. He is the eighth person held in the case. Police say anti-national slogans were raised, and officials were obstructed during the protest, india Today reported.
Chib was picked up around 4:30 AM and questioned for nearly 20 hours before his arrest, sources said. Police claim he did not cooperate and failed to disclose the names of other accused who allegedly fled.
He has been booked for criminal conspiracy, obstructing and assaulting a public servant, voluntarily causing harm, and wilful disobedience.
'Mastermind' behind the protests
Police produced Chib before the Patiala House Court at 10 AM. The court granted a four-day police remand.
Investigators described him as the "mastermind" behind the protest. They said people from different states were involved. Police claim there is evidence suggesting he was part of the planning, as per India Today.
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The case has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch. Further probe will be handled by the Inter-State Cell (ISC). Sources told India Today that Chib will be confronted with the seven other arrested accused, who are linked to the Youth Congress. Police believe this will clarify how and where the planning took place.
Officers also said the protest was not routine. They are examining whether there was an attempt to malign India's image before the global dignitaries who attended the summit.
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IYC President denies presence
Chib's lawyer told the court that he was not present at the protest site. He argued that the Youth Congress chief neither communicated with protesters nor issued instructions. "He was neither communicating with anyone nor issuing any instructions," the lawyer said.
Police allege that during the protest, slogans were raised and attempts were made to incite unrest. The arrest memo states that officials on duty were obstructed and assaulted.
