Ahead of PM Modi's Visit, Punjab Youth Congress claims State Chief detained, leaders confined
Punjab Youth Congress alleges police crackdown ahead of PM Modi's Jalandhar visit
Ravi Jakhu
Ludhiana/Jalandhar (Punjab), July 17, 2026: The Punjab Youth Congress (PYC) on Friday alleged that its leaders were subjected to a police crackdown ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jalandhar, claiming that State Youth Congress President Shuvam Sharma Shubi was detained at the Ladowal Toll Plaza, while senior leaders Angad Dutta and Deepak Khosla were placed under house arrest.
According to a statement issued by the Punjab Youth Congress, the organisation was preparing to stage a peaceful black-flag protest against the Prime Minister’s visit to raise concerns over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and recruitment-related issues affecting students and job aspirants.
The Youth Congress alleged that Shuvam Sharma Shubi was intercepted by a large contingent of Punjab Police at the Ladowal Toll Plaza while travelling to Jalandhar. The organisation claimed that he was detained after being stopped by police personnel.
The statement further alleged that police personnel physically manhandled the state president and threatened him with dire consequences if the planned protest went ahead. These allegations have not been independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Punjab Police on the claims.
In a statement released after his detention, Shuvam Sharma Shubi alleged that both the Centre and the Punjab government had failed to address issues concerning students and employment. He claimed that the Youth Congress would continue to raise its voice against the alleged irregularities despite police action.
The Punjab Youth Congress also claimed that Jalandhar Urban District President Angad Dutta and Punjab Youth Congress General Secretary Deepak Khosla were placed under house arrest early Friday morning to prevent them from mobilising supporters for the protest.
According to the organisation, police personnel were deployed outside the residences of both leaders, restricting their movement ahead of the proposed demonstration.
The Youth Congress described the police action as an attempt to suppress democratic dissent and alleged that the restrictions reflected the government’s apprehension over growing public anger regarding examination irregularities and employment issues.