Parliament security breach: Fifth accused caught, case lodged under anti-terror law
The Delhi Police’s Special Cell has apprehended the fifth suspect in the Parliament security breach case, news agency PTI reported citing sources.
The incident, which occurred on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, involved a well-orchestrated intrusion by six individuals, police sources told India Today.
The six accused had been in contact for four years and meticulously planned the breach a few days prior to the incident, it was revealed during questioning. They coordinated through social media and conducted reconnaissance of the Parliament building in the days preceding the incursion, sources said.
On Wednesday, December 13, during Zero Hour, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D leaped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, releasing yellow gas from canisters and shouting slogans before being subdued by MPs. The two were taken in police custody, and moments later, a man and a woman, identified as Amol Shinde and Neelam, were detained for protesting outside the Parliament building, carrying cans that emitted a yellowish smoke.
Sources said apart from the four who were detained, two more people were involved in hatching the plan. Five of the accused, including the two who entered the Lok Sabha, had stayed in Gurugram at Lalit Jha’s residence. While five have been identified and caught, the sixth remains at large.
The Special Cell of Delhi Police, which deals with anti-terror operations, is leading the investigation. A case has been registered under various sections including trespass, criminal conspiracy, and the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
During interrogation, the accused revealed that all of them were associated with the ‘Bhagat Singh Fan Club’ on social media. They had met in Mysuru about one and a half years ago and later decided on their plan.
The group conducted detailed reconnaissance, with one member even entering Parliament earlier in March to survey the premises. They exploited a security loophole where shoes were not thoroughly checked.
Following the breach, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla confirmed the capture of the intruders and seizure of materials. Preliminary investigations suggested the smoke was non-hazardous.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up an enquiry committee led by CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh to probe the security lapse and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The visitor pass used by one of the intruders was issued under BJP MP Pratap Simha’s name. Simha later explained that he issued the pass after a request from the accused’s father.
Opposition leaders have called for accountability, demanding the expulsion of MP Pratap Simha and holding him responsible for the breach.
The breach coincided with the remembrance of the 2001 Parliament attack by LeT and JeM terrorists, which resulted in the death of nine individuals, including eight security personnel.