In a dramatic interstate police clash, Himachal Pradesh authorities detained over 20 Delhi Police personnel on Wednesday after they attempted to arrest Youth Congress leaders in Shimla district. The incident unfolded amid heightened tensions following protests at the AI Summit in New Delhi.
The Delhi Police team had traveled to Rohru town in Shimla to apprehend three Youth Congress leaders linked to the shirtless demonstrations during the high-profile AI conference. As the officers were escorting the arrested individuals back to the capital, they were intercepted near Dharampur in Solan district by local state police.
Eyewitnesses described a tense standoff at a checkpoint set up specifically on intelligence about the arrests. The entire group—Delhi officers and the detainees—was transported to Shimla and presented before a local court. Himachal Police Superintendent SD Verma confirmed the operation, stating it was launched at the request of Shimla police upon receiving arrest information.
The detentions have ignited a political firestorm. Congress MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore slammed the state government, demanding stringent action against the Delhi team. He accused them of violating privacy by conducting warrantless raids and labeled the moves as an attempt to silence youth voices opposing the central government’s policies.
Rathore further criticized the Centre, asserting that the nation belongs to all citizens, not one party. In a press release, he emphasized democracy’s core: governments change, but opposition must amplify public concerns. He alleged the shirtless protest at the AI Summit was being exaggerated to suppress dissent.
This bizarre episode highlights deepening rifts between state and central law enforcement, raising questions about jurisdictional overreach and political motivations. As court proceedings unfold, the fallout could strain inter-state police cooperation and fuel broader debates on protest rights in India.