The Delhi Police conducted a raid at Himachal Sadan in New Delhi, linked to a protest by Indian Youth Congress leaders against the AI Summit, prompting strong criticism from Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The raid was described by CM Sukhu as uninformed and unfortunate, reflecting wider tensions between Delhi and Himachal Pradesh police forces. The incident followed the arrest of three Youth Congress activists from a hotel in Shimla district, who had participated in a shirtless protest against the AI Impact Summit held in Delhi.
Himachal Pradesh Police, upset over the lack of coordination and proper notification from the Delhi Police, intercepted the Delhi police team while it was transporting the arrested activists back to the national capital. The Himachal police detained about 20 Delhi police personnel and their vehicles near Dharampur, claiming that the arrests had been made without proper authorization and notification, leading to a police-versus-police standoff. Himachal authorities even registered a kidnapping case against the Delhi police involved in the arrests.
This event highlights growing friction between local and Delhi law enforcement amid politically sensitive protests. Himachal Pradesh leaders, including AICC spokesperson Kuldeep Rathore, condemned the police action at Himachal Sadan, demanding stern measures against Delhi Police for suppressing voices of protestors. The clash underscores challenges in handling protests that have inter-state political dimensions, especially when involving youth political groups during significant events like the AI Summit.
