Shimla, Feb 25: A major face-off erupted between the Delhi Police and the Himachal Pradesh Police on Wednesday after three Youth Congress workers detained in connection with protests during the AI Impact Summit were stopped from being taken to the national capital. An FIR has been registered in Shimla against the Delhi Police team.
According to officials, the Delhi Police had detained three individuals from Rohru in Shimla district over their alleged involvement in a protest linked to the AI Summit 2026 in Delhi. The protest reportedly involved Youth Congress members staging a demonstration during the event.
After several hours of proceedings and high drama at the Shimla District Court complex, the Delhi Police team left with the three accused. However, before they could exit the state, Shimla Police intercepted the convoy at the Shoghi barrier.
Legal Tussle in Court
The matter was placed before the Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate’s court following an application moved by the SHO of Baluganj police station. Senior officers, including Shimla Superintendent of Police Gaurav Singh, were present at the court premises amid heavy security deployment.
Shimla Police alleged that the Delhi Police carried out the detention without formally informing local authorities or completing mandatory procedural requirements. In contrast, Delhi Police maintained that due process was followed and objected to what they described as interference in a lawful action.
Himachal Police clarified that the Delhi Police personnel were not detained but were stopped for questioning and legal verification.
Youth Workers Brought Back
As per ANI, the three Youth Congress workers detained from Rohru were brought back to Himachal Pradesh after state police intervention. Officials said the Delhi Police team was also stopped in Solan district’s Dharampur area, where the action was termed “illegal” by the local police, and the workers were released pending further legal process. They are being presented before a local court in accordance with law.
Sources said the trio had allegedly participated in a protest in Delhi related to AI policy submissions and later reached Rohru.
Political Reactions
Congress national spokesperson and Theog MLA Kuldeep Singh Rathore questioned the legality of the action, alleging that Delhi Police entered Himachal Sadan in Delhi without a warrant and attempted arrests improperly. He demanded strict action against the officials involved.
The Bharatiya Janata Party criticised the Himachal government for stopping Delhi Police, calling it “unfortunate” and accusing the Congress-led state government of shielding offenders.
Former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur said that if anyone is found guilty, they must be punished as per law.
This marks a rare instance in Himachal Pradesh where police forces of two states were seen in direct confrontation over jurisdiction and procedural compliance. Investigations in the matter are ongoing.
