New Delhi: On the 22nd anniversary of the attack on Parliament, a major breach of security was witnessed again in the Temple of Democracy on Wednesday when two men jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the Visitors’ Gallery above and caused smoke, leading to chaos and commotion in the House where proceedings were underway.
The men, who were identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, lunged into the Lower House of Parliament, chanting something. Sagar, who was the first to jump, then moved from the rear of the Chamber towards the Chair in the front, climbing the chairs and tables of the Members of the Lok Sabha. The intruders were immediately overpowered and thrashed by some MPs before being handed over to the Delhi Police.
Sagar Sharma had a visitor pass to Parliament which was issued by Mysuru BJP MP Pratap Simha. Taking the security breach incident seriously, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla ordered a thorough probe. He praised the security staff, and MPs who caught the intruders after they jumped from the visitor’s gallery into the Chamber. The Speaker also called an all-party meeting at 4 PM to discuss the issue. Birla said the Security Breach matter has also been referred to the Delhi police for investigation. He added that preliminary investigation suggests that the gas emitted from a canister used by the persons was to create sensation and was “harmless” and “not a cause of worry”.
When the House resumed after 2 pm, Om Birla said the incident that happened “is a topic of concern for all of us & is serious as well…A high-level investigation is being done & accordingly, action will be taken”. “A comprehensive review will be done regarding the security in the house… The house was adjourned till 11:00 hours tomorrow”, he said.
The Speaker said two others have also been arrested from outside the Parliament for allegedly protesting with yellow colour smoke canisters. The duo, identified as Neelam (42) – a native of Red Square Market in Haryana’s Hisaar – and Amol (25), an inhabitant of Maharashtra’s Latur, were allegedly protesting in front of Transport Bhavan with the smoke canisters.
According to the police, both have been detained and taken to the police station. The Speaker praised the security staff, and MPs who caught the intruders after the two men jumped from the visitor’s gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber. Meanwhile, Delhi Police said they have detained the four protestors. Forensic teams have reached the spot to collect samples of evidence for further probe into the security breach incident. Interrogation of the four persons was underway to ascertain their motive behind the protest and why they chose to hold it in and outside parliament. According to sources, the Delhi Police Special Cell and Crime branch, and Central probe agencies are investigating the matter. Replying to the queries of media persons, an NDRF official said “Our technical team is working on this issue and investigating the exact nature of the yellow smoke.
