Parliament security breach
A significant security incident occurred in the Lok Sabha as two individuals entered with gas-emitting objects, causing panic during the session. TV footage showed one person jumping over lawmakers’ benches. Two suspects, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, were taken into custody, and tear-gas canisters were found in one suspect’s shoes. A man and a woman protesting outside Parliament were also detained with coloured smoke canisters.
The security breach coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, but police clarified that this incident was unrelated. Earlier, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun had threatened to attack the new Parliament building on December 13 in response to a failed murder plot against him. The Lok Sabha observed a security lapse on a significant day, leading to an adjournment of proceedings.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, LoP, emphasized the breach’s significance on the day commemorating the 2001 attack. BJP member Rajendra Agrawal adjourned proceedings, and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi expressed concerns about the new Parliament building’s security. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of the three-tier security measures, including metal detectors and restricted entry for visitors in Parliament.
