Parliament Security Breach: Lok Sabha Secretariat suspends eight security personnel

“Parliament Security Breach Fallout: Eight Security Personnel Suspended, PM Modi Holds Meeting”

New Delhi, December 14: In the aftermath of Wednesday’s unprecedented security breach in Parliament, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has taken decisive action, suspending eight security personnel over identified lapses. The breach, occurring on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack, involved intruders Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, releasing yellow gas canisters and shouting slogans before being subdued by MPs.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply concerned about the breach, convened a meeting with senior ministers inside Parliament to assess the security situation. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are demanding statements in both houses regarding the incident. The Lok Sabha session was adjourned until 2 pm amid protests by Opposition MPs, who also called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla emphasized the collective concern about the breach and reiterated that the security of the House is the responsibility of the Lok Sabha Secretariat. Congress MP Manickam Tagore raised questions about an alleged intelligence failure, calling for a fair investigation. He stated, “Home Minister Amit Shah must answer, as the Delhi Police and all security agencies report to him. He cannot run away from this responsibility… BJP MP Mr. Simha provided passes to these culprits, there is a very deep conspiracy behind this and he must not be left unpunished.”

A notable shift in security measures was witnessed on Thursday, with personnel at the outer gates insisting on removing even shoes, resembling airport security checks. This change follows the arrest of Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma, who broke into the Lok Sabha, jumped from the visitors’ gallery, and opened smoke canisters hidden in their shoes. Only Members of Parliament are being allowed to enter the Parliament building from Makar Dwar, and all individuals entering the building undergo thorough checks.

Additionally, media personnel are now restricted to stand nearly 50-60 meters away from ‘Makar Dwar’ of the New Parliament building, one of the primary entry gates for legislators.

Four individuals were arrested on Wednesday under charges of the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with the security breach. The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered an inquiry committee, tasked with investigating the breach, identifying lapses, and recommending further action. The committee is expected to submit its report with recommendations to improve security in Parliament at the earliest.