‘I really thank Delhi police’: AI Startup founder after devices recovered at AI Impact Summit

The AI Impact Summit, 2026 in India has drawn large crowds, with exhibitors unveiling new AI devices and wearables that have attracted strong interest and demand.

However, a security lapse briefly cast a shadow over the event. Dananjay Yadav, founder of Bengaluru-based AI startup NeoSapien, alleged that his company’s wearable devices were stolen from within a designated high-security zone at the expo venue.

Delhi Police’s swift action 

Following his complaint, Delhi Police acted swiftly and recovered the devices within 24 hours. Police said two individuals who were working at the AI Summit have been identified, and an investigation is underway to determine whether the incident was a case of theft or if the devices were mistakenly taken.

Taking to his X account Dhanjay wrote, “Just wanted to update everyone, our devices have been recovered. Huge thanks to Delhi Police for the superfast response and support. Truly grateful for all the messages, help, and encouragement we’ve received over the last two days, it means a lot to me.”

What actually happened?

To understand what unfolded at the venue, Firstpost’s Arya Pandey spoke with NeoSapien founder Dhananjay Yadav about the incident and the overall arrangements at the summit.  

When asked how the wearable devices were taken and what followed, Dhananjay Yadav explained that the situation escalated during sanitisation ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit.

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He said that around 12 noon on Day one, multiple groups of security personnel began clearing the venue. Initially, one set of officials informed them that only one person could remain at the booth during sanitisation. Yadav requested permission to stay, explaining that NeoSapien was showcasing what he described as India’s first patented AI wearable. According to him, the first security official was supportive and allowed them to remain.

However, a second group of security personnel later arrived and insisted that they vacate the area entirely. Despite requesting twice, Yadav said he was told he had to leave. Before exiting, he specifically asked whether the devices could be left at the booth. He claims he was assured that it would be safe, as others had also left their belongings behind.

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‘Everything was stolen’

He left the venue between 12:30 PM and 1:00 PM, unaware that the gates would remain closed until 5 PM. A summit volunteer later informed him that re-entry would only be possible after the security window closed. To avoid waiting for hours, Yadav requested the volunteer to retrieve and safeguard the devices once access resumed.

However, when the gates reopened and the booth was checked, the wearable devices were missing.

“ Everything was stolen,” he said.  He said he initially did not file a formal complaint immediately, citing exhaustion, but posted about the matter on social media.  

The following morning, he began receiving calls from Delhi Police around 8:30 am, after which the devices were recovered within 24 hours.

‘I really thank Delhi police’

“I had to really thank Delhi police as they were very proactive since 8:30 AM, I started getting their calls. They were super helpful and understanding.”

Yadav praised the Delhi Police for their swift response, saying they reached out to him shortly after he posted about the incident on social media. He noted that the officers acted proactively, contacted him directly, and ensured prompt action that led to the recovery of the devices within 24 hours.

Yadav noted that the second day of the summit was well organised, with strong footfall and smooth coordination across the venue. While he felt food logistics could improve, he described the overall experience as seamless and said the team was learning as the event progressed.

The incident occurred on the opening day of the event, when massive crowds gathered at the venue for what organisers described as the world’s largest artificial intelligence summit.

Over 70,000 attended the Summit

Amid complaints of overcrowding and logistical disruptions, Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Tuesday apologised to attendees who faced difficulties during the first day of the summit.

Over 70,000 people attended the opening day, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, describing the response as “phenomenal” while apologising for the inconvenience faced by participants.