New Delhi, December 13th: In a chilling echo of the 2001 Parliament attack, security protocols in the Lok Sabha were breached on its anniversary by four individuals, one a former police officer. The group managed to storm the Parliament complex, disrupting proceedings with the release of tear gas. This audacious act has exposed critical vulnerabilities in the security apparatus safeguarding India’s highest legislative body.
The incident unfolded during Zero Hour, a designated time for MPs to raise urgent matters. Four individuals, identified as Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D., Amol Shinde, and Neelam, accessed the public gallery and then leaped onto the floor of the Lok Sabha. They released a yellowish gas from canisters, raising concerns about its potential harm. While the exact nature of the gas remains under investigation, its deployment in the chamber caused immediate respiratory discomfort among several MPs and security personnel.
Chaos erupted in the aftermath, with security personnel swiftly tackling the intruders. The MPs, many coughing and visibly distressed, were evacuated from the chamber. The incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising crucial questions about the effectiveness of security measures at the Parliament complex.
How four individuals, one with prior law enforcement experience, could breach the heavily guarded Parliament on such a sensitive day is deeply concerning. The incident exposes potential loopholes in visitor access, security protocols within the complex, and the response mechanisms in place for such emergencies.
Thorough investigations are underway to determine the specific lapses that led to this breach. The nature of the gas deployed and the motives of the individuals are also being actively probed. The Lok Sabha Secretariat has suspended eight security personnel, while the Delhi Police have arrested four individuals in connection with the incident.
The Lok Sabha breach serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in any security system. It demands a thorough overhaul of security protocols at the Parliament, a comprehensive investigation into the lapses that led to this incident, and swift action to ensure such breaches never occur again. The safety of India’s democracy hinges on the impregnability of its legislative chambers.