Shimla witnessed an extraordinary 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 began as an interstate operation quickly escalated into a 24-hour confrontation—marked by multiple detentions, roadblocks, a kidnapping FIR against Delhi officers, and disputes over evidence—before the Delhi team was finally allowed to leave for the national capital 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 them, bringing the trio back to Shimla.
Kidnapping FIR: Shimla Police filed a kidnapping case against unidentified individuals in plain clothes, alleging the arrests were conducted without proper documentation or CCTV records. Both forces accused each other of violating procedures.
Transit Remand: Late Wednesday, after medical examinations, the trio and Delhi Police officers were taken to the residence of an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate. Transit remand was granted, allowing Delhi Police to take the accused to Delhi.
Repeated Stops: On Thursday morning, the Delhi team was detained at Kanlog and later at Shoghi, with Shimla Police asking part of the team to stay back while escorting the accused with additional local officers. Delhi Police refused, insisting no personnel would be left behind.
Vehicle Seizure: Shimla Police seized a Delhi Police vehicle containing CCTV and other digital evidence, citing procedural concerns. Delhi Police maintained the seizure was conducted in the presence of an independent witness, and all documentation had been submitted to the magistrate during the transit remand.
Standoff Ends: The impasse was resolved after Delhi Police shared the seizure memo with Shimla Police, though the digital evidence itself was retained. The Delhi team was then allowed to proceed to the national capital.
Legal and Political Fallout
Shimla Police argue that procedural lapses in the arrests violated legal norms, while Delhi Police assert 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, while the third is listed as a conspirator.
The protest had already led to multiple arrests, including Indian Youth Congress leaders Uday Bhanu Chib and Bhudev Sharma. Earlier, Delhi Police also raided Himachal Sadan in Delhi, a move criticised by Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu.
A private complaint filed by Shimla Police detailing the sequence of events is scheduled for hearing in Shimla on Thursday.
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