Device theft at India AI Impact Summit: Delhi Police identify suspect

Delhi Police have identified the person involved in the theft of devices during heightened security arrangements for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the India AI Impact Summit, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Dhananjay Yadav, CEO of a homegrown wearables startup, on Monday complained about the theft of devices he had left at his booth, allegedly on the instructions of security personnel.

Mr. Yadav told the police that the loss of his products was “difficult and painful,” noting that it occurred during a security shutdown ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to the expo. Manish Kumar Agrawal, Special Commissioner of Police (Intelligence Division), said the local police are investigating the case and that CCTV cameras were installed at the venue.

“There was a time when the gentleman left the items unattended, despite the fact that a locker had been provided. It was expected that the exhibitor would keep the items in the locker. Nevertheless, for whatever reason he left them unattended, the local police have proof of who committed the act, and we are working on the case,” Mr. Agrawal said.

He added that the police had asked Mr. Yadav to get the case formally registered. “We have registered an FIR. We shall be able to work that out,” he said.

Mr. Yadav said that initially one security team had allowed him to stay back after he requested permission. “We have built a patented technology, which is India’s first AI wearable. I wanted to showcase it,” he said. However, another security team later asked him to vacate the area as it needed to be “sanitised,” he recalled. When exhibitors were allowed to re-enter the halls around 6.30 p.m., Mr. Yadav said he had requested a volunteer to keep the device with him. But when the gates were opened and he returned to his booth, he found that the devices had been taken. The police said they are continuing their investigation into the matter.