Parliament security breach: 6 people involved in meticulously planned attack
What's the story
In a colossal security breach, two men—identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranhan D—jumped from the visitors' gallery into the well of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. As the investigation continued, the police confirmed that six people were involved in the meticulously planned attack. The incident happened during the Zero Hour of Parliament when Khagen Murmu, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP, was speaking.
Twitter Post
Watch: Man jumps from visitors' gallery
#WATCH | An unidentified man jumps from the visitor's gallery of Lok Sabha after which there was a slight commotion and the House was adjourned. pic.twitter.com/Fas1LQyaO4
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023
Smoke
Both men sprayed colored smoke inside LS
Footage shows one man running and leaping as MPs surround him, while the second person is seen spraying colored smoke. Meanwhile, two others—Neelam from Hisar, Haryana, and Amol Shinde from Latur, Maharashtra—were arrested outside the Transport Bhawan, where they were spraying smoke. They reportedly planned the attacks because they were unhappy with the current government. All four have been detained following the security breach.
Twitter Post
Man, woman arrested for spraying smoke outside Parliament
Incident is being verified. Initial questioning related to security breach and who gave access. Finding out if any connection with those who jumped inside. Multi-agency questioning also likely: Delhi Police sources https://t.co/WTaMsDnfSe
— ANI (@ANI) December 13, 2023
Insights
6 people involved, 2 on run
The Delhi Police confirmed that six people were involved in the conspiracy, NDTV reported. Apart from the four, a fifth individual identified as Lalit Jha has been identified as a conspirator. Five of them arrived from outside of Delhi and stayed at Jha's house in Gurugram. Jha and the sixth unidentified person are currently on the run.
Parliament
Breach comes on 2001 Parliament attack anniversary
The security breach comes on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. On December 13, 2001, five terrorists linked to the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) entered the Parliament House complex, killing eight security personnel and a gardener, in addition to injuring 15 others. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several other ministers observed silence to pay respect to the martyrs.
Visitor pass
Visitor's pass recovered during scuffle
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MP Danish Ali revealed that a visitor's pass—issued by BJP MP Pratap Simha's office—was recovered from one of the miscreants. Notably, despite having a pass, any visitor is obligated to clear five rounds of security before being able to enter Parliament. Meanwhile, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident.
Details
Parliament complex closed for visitors
In the wake of the accident, the Parliament complex has reportedly been closed to visitors. Separate entrances will now be allotted for MPs, staff members, and the press, while visitors, when allowed back, will enter through a fourth gate. The visitors' gallery will also be enclosed in glass to prevent anyone from jumping into the Lok Sabha chamber. Body scanners will be installed.