‘Shirtless’ protest row deepens: 3 more Congress workers held, arrests climb to 11

The crackdown over the controversial “shirtless” protest at the AI Impact Summit has intensified, with three more Congress workers arrested , taking the total number of those held to 11 . The latest detentions have also triggered a tense face off between the police forces of two states.

According to officials, the Special Cell of the Delhi Police apprehended Saurabh, Siddharth and Arbaz from a hotel in Rohru subdivision of Shimla district in Himachal Pradesh. They were produced before a local court, which granted transit remand , allowing the team to bring them to Delhi for further questioning.

However, the operation took a dramatic turn when the Himachal Pradesh Police intercepted the Delhi Police team while the accused were being transported to the national capital. Sources in the state police claimed that the Delhi team carried out the arrests without formally informing local authorities . Acting on this, Himachal Police stopped three vehicles carrying the accused and Delhi Police personnel. Two vehicles were intercepted in Shimla, while another was halted near Dharampur in Solan district. Around 20 people, including police personnel , were reportedly detained for questioning.

The protest itself took place at Bharat Mandapam on February 20 during the high profile AI Impact Summit attended by international delegates and dignitaries. Police have invoked serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita , including rioting and promoting enmity, alleging that the protest was coordinated and assisted by the accused.

Earlier, Indian Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib and former national spokesperson Bhudev Sharma were arrested and remanded to police custody. A late night raid was also conducted at Himachal Sadan in Delhi amid claims that some protestors were accommodated there.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu criticised the action, calling it “unfortunate” and “against constitutional procedure,” further fuelling the political storm around the case.