Cross FIRs Filed After Himachal, Delhi Police Dispute Youth Congress Arrests

Shimla saw an unusual police-versus-police standoff late Wednesday as Delhi Police and Himachal Pradesh Police clashed over the arrest of three Youth Congress activists linked to last week’s “shirtless protest” at the AI Summit.

What started as an interstate operation quickly spiralled into a 24-hour confrontation—marked by repeated roadblocks, detentions, a kidnapping FIR against Delhi officers, and disputes over digital evidence—before Delhi Police was finally allowed to leave for Delhi with the accused.

How the Standoff Unfolded

Arrests: On Wednesday morning, Delhi Police arrested Saurabh, Siddharth, and Arbaz from a Shimla hotel in connection with the February 20 protest. Himachal Police intercepted the team, bringing the accused back to Shimla.

Kidnapping FIR: Shimla Police registered a kidnapping case against unknown persons in plain clothes, alleging the arrests were carried out without proper documentation or CCTV receipts. Both forces accused each other of procedural violations.

Transit Remand: After medical checks, the Delhi team approached the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, who granted transit remand, allowing them to take the accused to Delhi.

Repeated Stops: On Thursday morning, the Delhi convoy was stopped at Kanlog and later at Shoghi. Shimla Police suggested splitting the team—some officers could continue with the accused, others remain for the investigation—but Delhi Police refused, insisting no personnel be left behind.

Vehicle Seizure: Shimla Police also seized a Delhi Police vehicle containing DVR and CCTV evidence. Delhi Police maintained that all documentation had been presented to the magistrate and that the seizure was conducted with an independent witness present.

Resolution: The standoff ended after Delhi Police shared the seizure memo with Shimla Police, though the digital evidence remained with Delhi. The team then resumed its journey to the national capital.

Legal and Political Fallout

Shimla Police claim procedural lapses in the arrests, while Delhi Police say the transit remand was lawful. Lawyers for the accused have challenged the arrests as illegal. Two of the three Youth Congress activists are named in the Delhi FIR, the third as a conspirator.

Earlier, the protest had led to multiple arrests, including Indian Youth Congress leaders Uday Bhanu Chib and Bhudev Sharma. Delhi Police had also raided Himachal Sadan in Delhi, a move criticised by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.

Shimla Police have filed a private complaint detailing the arrests, scheduled for a hearing on Thursday.