NEW DELHI: The ongoing investigation into the July 20 clashes during the “Chalo Sansad” protest organised by the CJP suggests that some protesters may have used artificial intelligence (AI) tools to learn how to counter police crowd-control measures, including reducing the effects of tear gas, police sources said on Thursday.According to sources, the investigation has found indications that certain participants may have used AI platforms to search for information on dealing with tear gas and preparing for possible confrontations with security personnel.“The investigation is being carried out through multiple methods. We have reasons to believe that some protesters used AI tools or other generative AI platforms to search for ways to immediately reduce the effects of tear gas, including use of wet jute bags, and to prepare themselves with hard hats, masks and goggles,” according to sources.The source said police are continuing to collect evidence and that the process is time-consuming.Police are also examining the alleged distribution of hard hats, face masks and protective goggles among protesters before and during the demonstration. According to the source, these items may have been intended to help participants withstand police action during the clashes.The source said the investigation is ongoing, with police teams collecting digital and other evidence to support their findings.Police have not disclosed the names of any AI platforms allegedly used, nor have they confirmed whether any digital devices have been forensically examined to verify such searches.The July 20 protest turned violent after demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach police barricades at several locations, including Parliament Street, Connaught Place and Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.According to the police, stone-pelting was reported during the violence, prompting security personnel to use repeated lathi charges, tear gas and pellet guns to disperse the crowd.Police alleged that more than 200 police personnel and over 65 protesters were injured in the clashes, while more than 15 vehicles, including police vehicles, were damaged.The source said investigators have identified more than 2,800 people with previous criminal records who were present during the protest. Their role and level of involvement are being examined as part of the wider investigation.Police 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.The investigation is being carried out from multiple angles, police said.
