At the AI Summit hosted at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, the Delhi Police have arrested two more people in connection with a Youth Congress protest that disrupted proceedings and drew sharp public attention. The arrests come after demonstrators attempted to stage a protest inside the venue, accusing organizers and government policies related to artificial intelligence of lacking transparency and ignoring ethical and employment concerns.
According to police sources, the two individuals were taken into custody following identification in CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts. Authorities say the detentions are part of an ongoing probe into allegations of trespass, disruption of a public event, and violations of security protocols at the summit. The detained individuals are being questioned and may face charges pending further investigation.
Youth Congress leaders defended the protest as a legitimate expression of democratic dissent. They said their members were raising important questions about AI governance, data privacy, job displacement, and the need for inclusive policymaking. In a statement, they emphasized that protesting peacefully and holding public forums to voice concerns is vital in a functioning democracy.
Organizers of the AI Summit condemned the disruption, stressing the importance of maintaining order during high-level discussions among policymakers, technologists, and industry leaders. Security at Bharat Mandapam was subsequently tightened, and several participants reported temporary interruptions to sessions. Officials are reviewing security procedures to prevent similar incidents at future conferences.
The incident has reignited debate on the balance between civil protest and public safety. Legal experts note that while democratic protest is a protected right, it must be conducted within the bounds of law. They caution that actions that threaten public safety or breach venue security can lead to criminal charges.
As the investigation continues, both political stakeholders and civil society groups are calling for calm and dialogue. Many are urging that the core issues raised—ethical AI, accountability, and employment impacts—be addressed through formal channels, including parliamentary debate and public consultations, rather than disruptive protest. The case will likely influence how future civic dissent around tech policy is managed in India. Observers will watch developments closely as proceedings move forward soon.