AI protest fallout: 20 Delhi cops detained, freed, halted again in Himachal Pradesh after arrests of Youth Congress members
Times of India
by TNNFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A major inter-state jurisdictional dispute erupted in Himachal Pradesh as Shimla Police filed a First Information Report (FIR) against nearly 20 Delhi Police personnel for allegedly abducting three Youth Congress members. The incident began when the Delhi team was intercepted by Himachal authorities, leading to a legal standoff. Initially detained at Dharampur, the group was released by a court in Shimla but later stopped again near Shoghi, where they were informed of the FIR and instructed to remain for further investigation.
The controversy arose after Delhi Police conducted a raid on February 21 in Himachal Sadan, Delhi, targeting Youth Congress members believed to have participated in a protest at Bharat Mandapam. Shimla Police claimed that 15-20 unidentified individuals in plain clothes forcibly took three guests from a resort in Mandli village and seized property without proper documentation. This led to an FIR being registered at Chirgaon police station, prompting Himachal authorities to accuse Delhi Police of operating illegally and obstructing official duty.
Delhi Police defended their actions, presenting documents related to the Delhi FIR during court proceedings. The court initially allowed them to transport the trio to Delhi for further investigation but later halted their departure near Shoghi, citing the ongoing probe into alleged abduction. Meanwhile, medical examinations were conducted for the three arrested Youth Congress members at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital in Shimla.
The incident highlights the growing tensions between state governments over jurisdiction and law enforcement. The legal battle underscores the complexities of inter-state cooperation and raises questions about the proper channels for police operations across regions. This case has broader implications for understanding political protests, legal procedures, and state authority in India.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026