Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

Shimla: A sharp confrontation between the police forces of Himachal Pradesh and Delhi has escalated into a major political controversy after an FIR was registered against nearly 20 Delhi Police personnel on charges of alleged abduction.


The dispute stems from the arrest of three members of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) who were reportedly involved in protests linked to the India Impact AI Summit event held at Bharat Mandapam.


What Triggered the Controversy?
Three IYC members — Arbaaz, Saurabh, and Siddharth — were arrested on February 20.
Himachal Police allege the youths were detained from Rohru (Shimla district) without prior intimation to local authorities.
An FIR has been filed against around 20 Delhi Police personnel under charges including abduction.
Allegations include removal of a CCTV DVR without seizure memo and confiscation of an SUV from a resort.
The Delhi Police team was intercepted at Dharampur (Solan district) during transit.


Resort Detention and Evidence Tampering Allegations
According to Shimla Police, 15–20 unidentified individuals arrived at a resort in Mandli village (Rohru) and forcibly took away three guests. Authorities allege that CCTV footage equipment was removed without proper documentation and a vehicle was seized.
A formal complaint led to the registration of a case, and an investigation is now underway.


Dramatic Interception and Court Proceedings
Himachal Police reportedly set up a checkpoint in Dharampur and stopped the Delhi Police team along with the detained youths. All parties were subsequently produced before a Shimla district court.


While the Himachal administration termed the arrest “illegal,” Delhi Police maintained that all legal procedures were followed, asserting that arrest memos and required documentation were in place.


The court later permitted Delhi Police to take the three youths to Delhi. However, in a fresh twist, the team was again stopped near Shoghi and informed about the newly registered FIR, with directions issued to join the investigation.


Probe Extends to Himachal Sadan
On February 21, Delhi Police also reached Himachal Sadan, acting on inputs that Youth Congress members linked to the protest were staying there.


Political Fallout Intensifies
The episode has taken on a strong political dimension, with opposition leaders alleging a violation of constitutional and federal norms. Meanwhile, Delhi Police continue to defend their actions as lawful and procedure-compliant.


With investigations ongoing and tensions persisting between the two state agencies, attention now turns to whether the dispute will escalate into a prolonged legal battle or remain confined to political rhetoric.