# AI Tool Helps Released Protesters Find Their Way Home in Delhi

> A 25-year-old developer created an AI-powered system that assisted 10 to 15 released protesters in Delhi by October 10, 2026, after being detained during early October protests.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-18T06:12:54.282728Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/ai-tool-helps-released-protesters-find-their-way-home-in-delhi-7fcd1305

In Delhi, 25-year-old Rajiv Choudhary developed an AI-powered tool, the "Detainee Gharwapsi Yojana," which assisted 10 to 15 released protesters in Delhi by October 10, 2026, after protests on October 4-5, 2026 [1]. This tool helps individuals return home safely following detention [1].

The system addresses a reported issue where police drop released protesters in areas unfamiliar to them, particularly in Delhi [1]. This initiative provides critical support to individuals who may be disoriented or in need of assistance after being released from custody [1].

## What the records show

The "Detainee Gharwapsi Yojana" operates as a digital dashboard, evolving from an initial Google Sheet, and functions as part of a volunteer-led Protest Support Initiative [1]. Independent journalist Meghnad S is also involved in this broader initiative [1]. The tool's central feature is an AI-powered "Smart Paste" that processes WhatsApp messages [1]. Ground volunteers send these messages in English, Hindi, or Hinglish [1]. The system extracts information from these messages regarding police bus movements and the needs of detainees, such as medical assistance [1]. This data then helps map reported police bus routes and coordinates volunteer drivers to pick up and assist released protesters [1].

## The timeline

The tool gained prominence following protests that occurred around October 4-5, 2026 [1]. These demonstrations led to a significant number of detentions, estimated at over 700 individuals, with some reports indicating as many as 7,000 [1]. The development of the "Detainee Gharwapsi Yojana" allowed volunteers to quickly respond to the logistical challenges faced by these newly released individuals [1].

## What changed and for whom

For the protesters released into unfamiliar locations, the tool offers a connection to support they might not otherwise receive [1]. As of October 10, 2026, the system directly facilitated the safe return of 10 to 15 individuals [1]. This direct assistance meant these specific individuals did not have to navigate back home from potentially distant or unknown areas on their own [1]. The existence of such a system also indicates a more organized support network for those participating in protests [1].

## What the subject has said publicly

Rajiv Choudhary, the tool's creator, has publicly expressed his willingness to share the "Detainee Gharwapsi Yojana" with other volunteer groups [1]. This suggests a potential for the system to be adopted and utilized beyond its current scope, expanding its reach to assist more protesters in different contexts or locations [1].

## What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the specific locations where police dropped off the released protesters [1]. The precise number of volunteers contributing information to the system is also not specified in the records [1]. The exact number of medical assistance cases handled directly by the tool's coordination efforts could not be determined [1].

## Evidence cited
1. AI tool helps stranded protesters find their way home in the Indian capital — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/18/ai-tool-helps-stranded-protesters-find-their-way-home-in-the-indian-capital?traffic_source=rss
2. From legal to first aid: support mobilised for CJP protesters, networks formed on social media — https://dailypioneer.com/2026/top-stories/from-legal-to-first-aid--support-mobilised-for-cjp-protesters--networks-formed-on-social-media.html
3. Amid crackdown in Delhi, volunteer networks support protesters — https://www.rediff.com/news/report/amid-crackdown-in-delhi-volunteer-networks-support-protesters/20261011.htm
4. Instagram post — https://instagram.com/p/DAW1e5dJ8-R
5. From legal to first aid: support mobilised for CJP protesters, networks formed on social media — https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/111026/from-legal-to-first-aid-support-mobilised-for-cjp-protesters-networks-formed-on-social-media.html
6. Instagram post — https://instagram.com/p/DAV7jKUP0Yc
7. Instagram post — https://instagram.com/p/DAW8dM4J_V7
8. India: Students, activists use tech to dodge police during protests — https://minutemirror.com.pk/13/10/2026/india-students-activists-use-tech-to-dodge-police-during-protests/
9. India is asking what next: The making of Gyanesh Kumar — https://nationalheraldindia.com/opinion/india-is-asking-what-next-the-making-of-gyanesh-kumar
10. YouTube video — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F07_W4ZlXbE