GUWAHATI: In a shocking breach of security on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on the Indian Parliament, two individuals jumped from the visitors' gallery of the Lok Sabha on December 13 reportedly chanting slogans.
The intruders proceeded to release smoke canisters, enveloping the House in dense yellow plumes and causing panic among Members of Parliament (MPs). The incident occurred shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others had paid tribute to security personnel who lost their lives in the 2001 Jaish-e-Mohammad attack.
This breach highlighted significant lapses in Parliament security, as the frisking of visitors does not currently include checking footwear. The intruders, reportedly inspired by figures like Bhagat Singh and Che Guevara, exploited this gap by concealing smoke canisters in their shoes.
Responding to the breach, the Ministry of Home Affairs has initiated an inquiry into the security lapse. A committee, led by CRPF chief Anish Dayal Singh and comprising members from various security agencies and experts, has been formed, media reports stated.
The two intruders, identified as Manoranjan D, a 34-year-old engineering graduate from Mysuru, and Sagar Sharma, a 27-year-old e-rickshaw driver from Lucknow, were apprehended and faced physical assault by MPs before being taken into custody.
Simultaneously, two other individuals, Neelam Kaur Azad and Amol Shinde, set off smoke canisters outside Parliament and were also arrested. Another suspect, Vikram alias Vicky, was arrested near Parliament, while Lalit Jha, believed to be the group's handler, still remains at large.
Initially appearing as a disparate collective, the motives of the trespassers became clearer during the investigation. They had reportedly connected through a Facebook page named “Bhagat Singh Fan Club” and formed a group with the intention of emulating the revolutionary freedom fighter, media reports stated.
As per media reports, plans for a dramatic event inside Parliament were set in motion at least a year ago, with Manoranjan conducting a reconnaissance of Parliament in March.
The group aimed to make a statement and carried the national flag and pamphlets during the intrusion. Sharma, a self-proclaimed devotee of Bhagat Singh and Che Guevara, conveyed to his family in Lucknow that he was going for a "protest."
The incident has sparked political recriminations, with accusations regarding the enlistment of BJP MP Prathap Simha's support.