Delhi Police Arrest Two Youth Congress Leaders from Gwalior Over Shirtless Protest at AI Summit

Gwalior, Feb 23, 2026: In connection with a shirtless protest during the Delhi AI Summit, Delhi Police conducted a crackdown in Gwalior, arresting two prominent Youth Congress leaders. The arrests have sparked questions from their families, who allege a lack of transparency in the process.

Leaders Taken Into Custody
The arrested leaders are Jitendra Yadav, former State General Secretary of Youth Congress, and Raja Gurjar, former President of Gwalior Rural Youth Congress. Delhi Police, assisted by local authorities, carried out the arrests. Jitendra Yadav was taken into custody early Thursday morning, while Raja Gurjar surrendered at Jhansi Road police station late Wednesday night. Both were reportedly detained on suspicion of participating in the protest at the AI Summit.

Family Raises Concerns
Jitendra Yadav, a resident of Patel Nagar, City Center, was the subject of a home search conducted twice—first by Gwalior police at night and then by Delhi Police in the morning. His father, Keshav Singh Yadav, said police also examined their mobile phones. “I don’t know where my son is being held. All I was told is that his name is linked to the disruption at the AI Summit,” he said.

Citing Lack of Transparency
Former State Congress spokesperson Ram Pan stated that Jitendra Yadav is an active Youth Congress leader and alleged that his arrest was illegal. He added that the family has not been informed of his location, and questioning is reportedly being conducted at a confidential site. Police officials have refrained from providing any details.

Other Leaders in Custody
Reports indicate that a third Youth Congress leader has also been taken into custody from Gwalior. Local police have remained tight-lipped about the operation, which is linked to the events during the AI Summit.

Context Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s Visit
These arrests come ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Madhya Pradesh on February 24, where he is scheduled to attend the Kisan Mahapanchayat in Bhopal along with Mallikarjun Kharge. The leaders are expected to raise opposition to the recent trade deal with the United States.