High-level probe ordered over Lok Sabha security breach: Key points

NEW DELHI: In a major security breach, on the 22nd anniversary of the

Parliament

terror attack, two persons entered the

Lok Sabha

chamber from the visitor gallery when the Zero Hour was in progress and opened canisters that emitted a yellow-coloured smoke, triggering panic among the MPs.
The two intruders also shouted slogans before being overpowered by MPs.

The House was adjourned after the incident.

Here are the latest developments:

Four people detained
Two persons, involved in the Lok Sabha incident, have been identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan. Sharma had come to the visitor's gallery as a guest of Mysuru Lok Sabha member Prathap Simha.
The two jumped into the chamber from the public gallery at around 1 pm. And while one was spotted jumping over the benches, the other was left dangling from the gallery before jumping into the Chamber, according to several MPs present in the House.

Around the same time, two persons, including a woman, also sprayed coloured gas from canisters while shouting slogans 'tanashahi nahi chalegi' outside the Parliament premises.
LS Speaker orders high-level probe
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Wednesday ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. Birla lauded the Lok Sabha members, security personnel, chamber staff, and marshals for rising to the occasion and capturing the perpetrators.
"The incident is a matter of concern and we are carrying out a high-level inquiry into this incident. The future course of action will be decided as per the findings of the probe," Birla said.
He said a comprehensive review will be carried out of the existing security system in Parliament.
"This has also been sought by members of parliament. What all improvement can be done in the security measure will be assessed after discussing it matter with members," Birla said.
'Protestors with coloured gas canisters outside Parliament didn't carry IDs, mobile phones'
Two persons, including a woman, who were detained for protesting outside Parliament using coloured gas canisters, Delhi Police said.
Delhi Police said that Neelam and Amol, who were detained in front of Transport Bhawan, in preliminary investigations, revealed that they were not carrying mobile phones or any other identity proof. Both have refused to have any connection with any organisation, they said.
The police said that a special team is being formed to interrogate the detainees.
Opposition MPs demand explanation from home minister
Several opposition MPs has demanded an explanation from home minister Amit Shah. Several opposition MPs also alleged that security arrangements in the new Parliament building is not sufficient and needs to be addressed immediately.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the incident raises several questions, adding that they have learnt that a ruling party MP endorsed the intruders' passes.
"It raises a number of questions. They were brought in by a ruling party MP, so we need to find out more details. Despite existing security precautions, they were able to smuggle in smoke pistols that were used to fire yellow smoke, which created panic among some members," he said.
LS Speaker to seek security review of Parliament
Lok Sabha Speaker is likely to write to the home ministry seeking a security review of Parliament after today's incident. At the all-party meeting, Trinamool Congress cited the expulsion of its MP Mahua Moitra and demanded action against BJP member Prathap Simha, who had facilitated the entry of at least one person who jumped in the Lok Sabha chamber.
Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said the members flagged various lapses in the security set-up during the meeting with the Speaker.
Concerns over Parliamentary security
This incident raises serious concerns about the security measures in place at the Parliament. The breach occurring on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack adds to the gravity of the situation, calling for a thorough investigation and review of security protocols to prevent such occurrences in the future.
The incident in the Lok Sabha serves as a stark reminder of the need for stringent security measures in such high-profile government settings. The quick action of the MPs and security staff in handling the situation prevented any harm, but the event underscores the importance of constant vigilance and robust security systems to safeguard the nation's democratic institutions.
(With agency inputs)