New Delhi, Jul 30: Delhi Police are investigating whether some participants in the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to prepare for clashes with security forces, official sources said on Thursday.
According to police sources, investigators suspect some protesters searched AI platforms and other generative AI tools for ways to counter police crowd-control measures, including techniques to minimise the effects of tear gas, such as using wet jute bags, and advice on protective gear.
“The investigation is being carried out from multiple angles. We have reason to believe that some protesters used AI platforms to look for methods of reducing the impact of tear gas and to prepare themselves with hard hats, face masks and goggles,” a police source said.
Police said they are collecting digital and other evidence to verify these claims, adding that the process is time-consuming.
Investigators are also probing the alleged distribution of hard hats, protective goggles and face masks among protesters before and during the demonstration to determine whether the equipment was intended to help participants withstand police action.
However, police have not disclosed the names of any AI platforms allegedly used, nor confirmed whether forensic examinations of digital devices have established such searches.
The July 20 protest witnessed clashes between demonstrators and security personnel at Parliament Street, Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar, after protesters allegedly attempted to breach police barricades.
According to police, the violence involved incidents of stone-pelting, prompting security forces to use lathi-charge, tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the crowd. Police said more than 200 personnel were injured, while over 65 protesters sustained injuries. More than 15 vehicles, including police vehicles, were also damaged.
Police sources said investigators have identified over 2,800 individuals with previous criminal records who were present during the protest, and their role is being examined as part of the broader investigation.
Officials said multiple teams are analysing video footage, social media content, electronic evidence and other material to establish the sequence of events and identify those allegedly involved in planning or participating in the violence.
