Shirtless’ protest row: Youth Congress Chief arrested

way2barak, Feb 24: Delhi Police on Tuesday sent Indian Youth Congress (IYC) President Uday Bhanu Chib to four days of police custody following his arrest in connection with a shirtless protest staged at the Bharat Mandapam during the AI Impact Summit.

The protest involved a group of Youth Congress workers displaying politically charged T-shirts and slogans criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the India-US trade deal.

Chib was produced before a judicial magistrate at Patiala House Court, which granted four days of custody for further investigation. Delhi Police allege that Chib was the mastermind behind the protest, orchestrating logistics, funding and coordination with co-accused, including Shree Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Narsimha Yadav and Ajay Kumar Yadav.

Police said that the group staged the protest after completing mandatory online registration and gaining entry with QR codes. Security footage shows protesters removing outer layers to reveal anti-PM messages on their T-shirts. The incident allegedly involved obstruction and minor altercations with security personnel.

Chib has been booked under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including criminal conspiracy, promoting enmity between groups, obstructing public servants and offences related to unlawful assembly. The ongoing investigation has been transferred to the Delhi Police Crime Branch.

Responding to Chib’s arrest, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi praised the Youth Congress protesters, calling them “Babbar Sher comrades.”

He criticised the India-US trade agreement, alleging it would harm farmers, the textile industry and compromise national interests.

“The Trade Deal with America has compromised the country’s interests. This agreement will harm our farmers and textile industry and hand over our data to America,” Gandhi wrote.

He further reaffirmed his party’s support for the protesters.

“The Congress Party and I stand firmly with our Babbar Sher comrades. Holding a mirror to power with the truth is not a crime, it is patriotism. Do not fear – truth and the Constitution are with us,” he added.