Nepal-like protest, conspiracy’ at AI Summit was a bid to defame India globally, Delhi Police tells court

New Delhi | 21 Feb 2026 The Delhi Police on Saturday told a city court that the shirtless protest staged by Indian Youth Congress workers during the AI Summit was part of a planned conspiracy to defame India on an international platform. Seeking five days’ custody of the accused, the police said the demonstration was similar to a recent protest seen in Nepal and was deliberately carried out in the presence of foreign delegates. Four Indian Youth Congress workers Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav were produced before the Patiala House Court after being arrested for the protest at Bharat Mandapam. The incident took place on Friday during the AI Impact Summit, when the protesters allegedly removed their shirts and walked around with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal printed on T-shirts before being detained by security personnel. Arguing against police custody, the accused’s lawyer said the protest was peaceful and an exercise of democratic rights. “The protest was peaceful; no videos showed any violence. All the alleged offences carry a punishment of up to 7 years. The accused's lawyer submitted that the FIR is nothing more than a political move. The lawyer also submitted that they are educated people and have degrees,” the defence told the court, while also seeking bail for the youths. The prosecution, however, opposed bail and pressed for custody, stating that “anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of international leaders and prominent figures.” Police said custody was needed to identify other accused who fled the scene, recover mobile phones to check possible funding, and investigate how the protest was coordinated. Responding to the court’s query, the investigating officer said there was “a deep conspiracy” behind the act, warranting further custodial questioning. ‘Nepal-like protest, conspiracy’ at AI Summit was a bid to defame India globally, Delhi Police tells court The Delhi Police on Saturday told a city court that the shirtless protest staged by Indian Youth Congress workers during the AI Summit was part of a planned conspiracy to defame India on an international platform. Seeking five days’ custody of the accused, the police said the demonstration was similar to a recent protest seen in Nepal and was deliberately carried out in the presence of foreign delegates. Four Indian Youth Congress workers Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav were produced before the Patiala House Court after being arrested for the protest at Bharat Mandapam. The incident took place on Friday during the AI Impact Summit, when the protesters allegedly removed their shirts and walked around with slogans against the government and the India-US trade deal printed on T-shirts before being detained by security personnel. Arguing against police custody, the accused’s lawyer said the protest was peaceful and an exercise of democratic rights. “The protest was peaceful; no videos showed any violence. All the alleged offences carry a punishment of up to 7 years. The accused's lawyer submitted that the FIR is nothing more than a political move. The lawyer also submitted that they are educated people and have degrees,” the defence told the court, while also seeking bail for the youths. The prosecution, however, opposed bail and pressed for custody, stating that “anti-national slogans were raised in the presence of international leaders and prominent figures.” Police said custody was needed to identify other accused who fled the scene, recover mobile phones to check possible funding, and investigate how the protest was coordinated. Responding to the court’s query, the investigating officer said there was “a deep conspiracy” behind the act, warranting further custodial questioning.