In a shocking incident, a major security breach occurred in the Lower House of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha, on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks.
Two men jumped down the visitors’ gallery into the House and hurled gas-emitting objects when prominent Indian leaders, including PM Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, were present inside the building.
The Breach
According to reports, two people jumped from the public gallery number four inside the Lok Sabha Chamber during the zero hour proceedings at around 1 p.m. when BJP MP Khargen Murmu was speaking.
The two men, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke.
Reports said that the intruders could be heard chanting slogans like ‘tana shahi nahin chalegi’ (this dictatorship won’t be accepted), ‘Jai Bheem’ and ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai.’
#WATCH | Lok Sabha security breach | Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla says "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was… pic.twitter.com/GPMPAoyeLk
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023
The men were overpowered by the MPs and eventually caught by Lok Sabha security.
A total of four persons have been arrested in connection with the incident so far — two from inside the House and two from outside.
Two people were detained from outside the Transport Bhawan, including a 25-year-old man, Amol Shinde, and a 42-year-old woman, Neelam, who were protesting outside the Parliament.
They were also caught with canisters that exploded and spewed red and yellow coloured smoke.
Probe Underway
The intruders managed to get visitors’ passes to enter the building. Sagar Sharma’s visitor pass was issued in the name of BJP MP Pratap Simha from Mysore.
All visitors must be recommended by an MP or gazetted officer and must clear five levels of security before being allowed inside the Parliament.
The intruders managed to hide the canisters inside their shoes.
Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said that the security lapse is being probed thoroughly, and a meeting of MPs from all parties has been called later to address the concerns in the matter.
He informed that, as per the preliminary probe, the smoke that was released appeared to be harmless and was sprayed to create sensationalism.
Amid concerns, the upper and the lower houses resumed proceedings after the incident at around 2 p.m. However, security has been increased in the area following the breach.
22nd Anniversary of Parliament Attack
The breach is a cause for concern, also due to the timing of the incident.
The incident coincides with the date of the 2001 Parliament attack when armed terrorists stormed the Parliament building and opened fire.
Breaking: in a major security breach coming on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two men entered Lok Sabha and opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke. They were chanting slogans such as ‘tana shahi nahi chalegi’ (dictatorship won’t be accepted). They… pic.twitter.com/WDe7HFC5a1
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) December 13, 2023
Nine people, including eight security personnel, lost their lives, and 18 people were injured in the attack in which five terrorists were killed.
The 2001 attack is attributed to Pakistani-based terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
The Indian PM was joined by the Lok Sabha Speaker and Home Minister, along with other dignitaries, at a ceremony in the Parliament House on the morning of the security breach in paying tribute to the security personnel martyred in the attack.
Notably, the incident came days after Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun threatened to attack Parliament on or before December 13.