‘Shirtless’ Protest Row: Three More Congress Workers Held in Shimla, Inter-State Tension Escalates

In a dramatic development linked to the recent “shirtless” protest controversy, three Congress workers — Saurabh, Siddharth, and Arbaz — were apprehended from a hotel in Shimla district by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police, officials confirmed.

Arrest in Shimla

According to sources, the trio was picked up during a coordinated operation carried out by the Special Cell in connection with a case registered in Delhi. The workers were reportedly staying at a hotel in Shimla when the team tracked them down and took them into custody.

Police officials stated that the arrests were made as part of an ongoing investigation related to a protest in the national capital that allegedly violated law and order norms.

Himachal Police Intercepts Delhi Team

The situation took a dramatic turn when the Himachal Pradesh Police intercepted the Delhi Police team while they were transporting the accused to Delhi. Sources indicate that local authorities questioned whether due legal procedure had been followed for making arrests in another state.

Under standard protocol, police from one state are required to inform local authorities and obtain transit remand from a local court before moving arrested individuals across state lines.

The interception led to tense moments, with both sides asserting that they were acting within the framework of the law.

Legal and Political Repercussions

The arrests have triggered sharp political reactions, with Congress leaders alleging misuse of central agencies and targeting of party workers. Meanwhile, Delhi Police maintained that the action was lawful and based on evidence connected to the protest case.

Legal experts suggest that the episode could once again bring attention to the importance of strict compliance with inter-state arrest procedures to avoid jurisdictional disputes.

What’s Next?

The accused are expected to be produced before the appropriate court, where the legality of the arrest and transit process may come under scrutiny. The unfolding developments have added another layer of tension to the ongoing political face-off surrounding the protest incident.

The matter remains under investigation, and further details are awaited as both police forces prepare to present their positions formally.