New Delhi, Feb 26 (NationPress) Following the standoff between the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh Police regarding the shirtless protest at the AI Summit, BJP's National General Secretary, Tarun Chugh, criticized the Congress party, accusing it of implementing a new strategy to shield the accused.

In an interview with IANS, Chugh asserted, “The episode during the International AI Summit in Delhi, where Congress youth leaders protested by removing their shirts, transcended mere political dissent. This was not just a typical demonstration at Jantar Mantar or any district headquarters; it represented a calculated effort to damage India's global standing. The evidence that has surfaced suggests that this was a significant conspiracy orchestrated by the senior leadership of Congress as part of an international plot.”

He further claimed, “Through a network of associates, they acted to appease foreign elements. It is both unfortunate and distressing to jeopardize the nation's reputation and engage in anti-national politics. The protesters who allegedly sought refuge in Himachal Pradesh were reportedly offered protection there. When the Delhi Police attempted to reach Himachal Pradesh, they were allegedly obstructed and detained. This is the Congress's new tactic to safeguard the accused, undermining law and order.”

Meanwhile, the prolonged standoff between the Delhi and Himachal Pradesh police concluded on Thursday, as the latter permitted their counterparts to transport three Indian Youth Congress activists, arrested for the 'shirtless protest' at the AI Summit, back to the national capital.

Previously, the Himachal Police had filed a kidnapping case against their Delhi counterparts and had “detained” their vehicles at the Shogi border near Shimla, along with the three activists while they were en route to Delhi.

In a late-night development, the three accused, accompanied by Delhi Police personnel, were taken to the residence of Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate Ekansh Kapil after undergoing medical examinations at the Deendyal Upadhyay Zonal Hospital and were granted transit remand.

The Delhi Police on Thursday disclosed that the three Indian Youth Congress members arrested in connection with the shirtless protest are not residents of Himachal Pradesh.

Additionally, the Himachal Pradesh Police reported receiving information about an incident where individuals in civilian clothing, driving vehicles with out-of-state registration plates, allegedly forcefully abducted three people from a resort in Chirgaon.

The individuals from Delhi also removed certain electronic devices, including a Digital Video Recorder (DVR), from the location.

Taking the matter seriously, the Shimla Police swiftly initiated legal measures to uncover the facts and ensure that all procedures were rigorously adhered to, as stated by the Himachal Police.

Acting promptly and in close coordination with the Solan Police, teams from Shimla Police intercepted the involved individuals at various locations, including Shoghi, ISBT in Shimla, and Dharampur.

Upon verification, it was confirmed that the group included police personnel from Delhi and Haryana, who had pursued and taken custody of the three individuals concerning a case filed in Delhi.

To ensure complete legal compliance and protect the rights of all parties involved, the Shimla Police presented the individuals to the appropriate local court for necessary directives.