This marks the eighth arrest as a result of the protest that has been criticised by the BJP, multiple Congress leaders and its allies alike.
The previous individual arrested was Jitendra Yadav, who was apprehended from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, taking the total number of arrests to five.
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Police had earlier arrested seven IYC workers, including Jitendra Yadav, Raj Gujjar and Ajay Kumar from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, as well as Ritik alias Monty Shukla, the organisation’s Uttar Pradesh general secretary, from Lalitpur.
Four workers were detained on the spot on the day of the protest during the AI Impact Summit in the national capital.
According to investigators, additional sections under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including provisions related to promoting enmity between groups and acts prejudicial to national integration, have now been invoked. These are in addition to charges of criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, obstruction of a public servant, disobedience of lawful orders and common intention already mentioned in the FIR.
The protest had unfolded inside an exhibition hall, where a group of workers removed their shirts to reveal T-shirts printed with slogans targeting the government and the India-US trade deal.
In the aftermath of the incident, the BJP slammed the grand old party and called on Rahul Gandhi to issue an official apology.
The demand gained traction after senior Congress leader Margaret Alva reportedly stressed the need for “dignity, discipline and responsibility” at global events.
At the same time, Priyank Kharge offered a more nuanced view.
Also Read | BJP demands Rahul Gandhi’s apology over ‘shirtless’ protest at AI Impact Summit
While acknowledging that the manner of protest may not have been in the “right spirit,” the Karnataka Congress leader argued that the saffron party should instead be embarrassed over the controversy surrounding the alleged display of Chinese products at the summit, including claims involving Galgotias University.
What was the Congress ‘shirtless’ protest?
According to investigators, the protest was not spontaneous. A group of activists allegedly secured entry to the venue by registering online and obtaining QR codes.
Police sources told PTI that the original plan involved carrying black umbrellas with printed stickers into the complex. Fearing that the umbrellas would attract attention at security checks, the group is believed to have switched tactics – printing slogans on T-shirts and wearing them beneath formal shirts.
Once inside Hall No. 5, the protesters removed their outer shirts and began raising slogans. The messages on the T-shirts targeted the government and the India-US trade deal, with phrases such as “PM is compromised” and references to the “Epstein Files.”
Security personnel quickly intervened and escorted them out. Police have also alleged that some officers on duty were manhandled during the commotion, a claim that remains under investigation.
