Four members of the Indian Youth Congress were detained by the Delhi Police on Friday after allegedly breaching internal security layers at Bharat Mandapam during the ongoing AI Impact Summit and raising slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Authorities confirmed that the individuals had registered entry through an official QR-based system before staging the protest inside the AI Expo Hall.
The incident occurred during active summit proceedings attended by policymakers, technology leaders, and industry representatives. Police officials stated that the four individuals concealed protest material beneath outer garments and revealed them after entering the secured exhibition zone. The swift detention prevented further disruption, though the episode has prompted a review of internal access control measures at the high-profile venue.
Security Breach, Protest Method and Immediate Police Action
According to law enforcement officials, the detained individuals were carrying placards and wearing T-shirts bearing the Prime Minister’s image, which had been hidden under jackets and sweaters at the time of entry. After accessing the AI Expo Hall, they reportedly removed the outer layers and began raising slogans within the premises.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Devesh Mahla confirmed that security personnel stationed inside Bharat Mandapam acted immediately to apprehend the protesters. Authorities emphasized that while the individuals had completed digital registration procedures, staging a demonstration inside a secured government event venue constituted a breach of operational protocols.
Bharat Mandapam, which regularly hosts national and international conferences, operates under multi-layered security arrangements, particularly during major summits involving central government participation. Entry typically requires prior accreditation and digital verification, including QR-based confirmation. Police officials indicated that the accused had lawfully registered but allegedly misused that access.
Following the detention, security personnel escorted the four individuals out of the exhibition area. Proceedings were initiated under applicable legal provisions, and officials began examining whether any accomplices assisted in planning or facilitating the protest.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage, entry logs, and communication records to determine whether procedural lapses occurred or if additional individuals were involved. Police sources said the investigation aims to ascertain whether the protest was spontaneous or premeditated.
Identities of Detainees and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Police identified the detainees as Krishna Hari (35), National Secretary of the Indian Youth Congress and a resident of Bihar; Kundan Yadav, also from Bihar; Ajay Kumar; and Narasimha Yadav, National Coordinator of the Indian Youth Congress.
The Indian Youth Congress functions as the youth wing of the Indian National Congress and is known for organizing demonstrations and political mobilization activities across the country. However, officials reiterated that staging protests inside officially secured venues without authorization attracts legal scrutiny.
Deputy Commissioner Mahla stated that legal proceedings are underway and that investigators are attempting to determine whether additional persons coordinated the protest from outside the venue. Police have not disclosed the specific charges at this stage but confirmed that due process is being followed.
The AI Impact Summit continued as scheduled following the incident, with reinforced internal vigilance. Security personnel have reportedly intensified monitoring inside exhibition halls and entry corridors to prevent similar disruptions.
Authorities have reiterated that while peaceful protest is a constitutional right, it must be conducted in accordance with established legal frameworks and security guidelines, particularly in sensitive government-controlled venues hosting high-level events.
