Parliament security detained four people today in connection with a breach of security that happened in Lok Sabha complex today while the winter session of the Parliament was underway. While two persons jumped into the well of the house with smoke-emitting canisters, two others were held from outside the house. It was a major security scare that took place on the anniversary of the attack on the Parliament in 2001.
The two men apparently entered with general visitors’ passes for which one has to apply beforehand and a background check is done. But how they managed to evade security checks and carried the canisters inside the house is being investigated. An investigation is also underway to find out the motive.
They were seated in the visitors’ gallery and took out the canisters from their shoes. Thereafter, they started jumping from table and table, spraying yellow smoke, and shouting slogans – Tana shahi nehichalegi (we will not accept dictatorship).This was told to reporters by members who were present inside the house.
Several members thought they saw a person falling down accidentally into the well before they realised it was a deliberate action. The two intruders have been identified as Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma.
Both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were adjourned moments later. Outside the Parliament building, two others, 42-year-old Neelam and 25-year-old Amol Shinde were detained by local police outside Transport Bhavan. They were raising protests with yellow smoke canisters.
The entire matter is being investigated thoroughly, said Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla regarding the incident. “Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been detained by the police,” he said.
Regarding the incident, MP from West Bengal and Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, “Two young men jumped from the gallery.Something was hurled by them from which gas was emitting. They were caught by MPs and were brought out by security personnel. The House was adjourned till 2 pm. This is certainly a security breach because today we observed the death anniversary of people who sacrificed their lives in 2001.”
Following the security breach, the entry of visitors inside the complex has now been suspended. The Opposition in Rajya Sabha has demanded an explanation from Union Home Minister Amit Shah and adjournment of the proceedings.
Bengali