In a startling incident that unfolded on December 13, chaos erupted in the Lok Sabha as two individuals breached security protocols by leaping into the House from the public gallery. The duo, brandishing what seemed to be gas canisters, unleashed pandemonium during the Zero Hour, prompting a swift response from members of parliament (MPs). This alarming breach of security occurred on the 21st anniversary of the infamous Parliament attack, raising concerns about the safety of the parliamentary premises.
As the two intruders made their audacious entry, one vaulted over benches, while the other hung from the public gallery, releasing a gas substance that led to widespread confusion inside the House. Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury revealed that tear gas canisters were employed, emphasizing the severity of the security breach.
Eye-witnesses identified one of the intruders as Sagar Sharma, and sources suggested that the pass allowing their entry was allegedly sponsored by BJP MP from Mysore, Pratap Simha. BSP MP Danish Ali demanded an inquiry into how the individuals managed to enter the premises and who facilitated their pass. Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant provided additional details, stating, “The incident that happened during Zero Hour is being investigated by the Lok Sabha, and Delhi Police has been given requisite directions regarding the same.”
Despite the alarming nature of the intrusion, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla reassured the public that the emitted smoke, a cause for concern, was found to be harmless in the preliminary investigation. Gaurav Gogoi, a Congress leader, highlighted the incident on social media, questioning the security measures in the new Parliament building.
Several MPs, including Gurjeet Singh Aujla, seized one of the intruders, preventing further disruption. Aujla described the canister as emitting yellow-coloured smoke, emphasizing the gravity of the security lapse. Speaker Birla called for a meeting of MPs from all parties to address concerns over the incident and asserted that a thorough investigation is underway as reported by The Hindu.
Later in the day, Speaker Birla informed the House that four individuals had been arrested in connection with the breach, with two apprehended inside the House and two outside Parliament. Meanwhile, a man and a woman were detained for protesting outside the Parliament building, carrying cans emitting yellowish smoke. Identified as Neelam and Amol Shinde, their detention marked an extension of security measures in the area following the intrusion.
The security breach in the Lok Sabha has raised significant questions about the safeguarding of the parliamentary complex. As investigations unfold, concerns over the ease with which intruders gained access to the House persist. The meeting of MPs convened by Speaker Birla is expected to address these concerns and ensure a comprehensive review of security protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.
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