Lok Sabha Security Breached On 22nd Parliament Attack Anniversary — What We Know So Far

A massive security breach was reported inside the Lok Sabha chamber on the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack. Here's what we know so far.

Twenty-two years after a deadly terror attack shook Parliament, a massive security breach was reported as unknown men jumped inside the Lok Sabha chamber with gas cannisters and shouted slogans as the House was in session during the Winter Session. Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said, "A thorough investigation of the incident that took place during zero hour, is being done. Essential instructions have also been given to Delhi Police. In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke." Here's what we know so far.

- Lok Sabha speaker Om Birla said both the accused have been held. He said, "Both of them have been nabbed and the materials with them have also been seized. The two people outside the Parliament have also been arrested by Police."

- Anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police has arrived inside Parliament to question the people who caused the security breach at the Lok Sabha.

- Delhi Police sources said that antecedents being verified. Initial questioning related to security breach and who gave access. Finding out if any connection with those who jumped inside. Multi-agency questioning also likely.

- The two people protesting with colour smoke outside the Parliament, in front of Transport Bhawan were detained by Police and taken to Parliament Street Police Station.

- In the primary investigation, it has been found that it was just a smoke and there is no need to worry about the smoke, Om Birla said.

Oppn Demands Answers

The Opposition raised the issue of security and sought answers after the breach triggered a scare. Congress leader KC Venugopal said, "The infiltration in the Lok Sabha is extremely troubling, especially on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks. I am glad there was no major injury or damage done to anyone. Parliament is among the most high-security buildings of our country. Such a major security lapse is unacceptable. We demand answers from the Home Ministry and there must be a thorough review of the security arrangements in the new Parliament building."

 

Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said, "Today itself, we paid floral tribute to our brave hearts who sacrificed their lives during the Parliament attack and today itself there was an attack here inside the House. Does it prove that we failed to maintain a high level of security?...All the MPs fearlessly nabbed the two people but I want to know where were the security officials when all of this happened?..."