Six individuals were reportedly involved in planning and executing a significant security breach in Parliament, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security systems. Sagar Sharma and D Manoranjan placed unmarked bank barrels inside the Lok Sabha, while Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde placed similar barrels outside. Lalit Jha’s Gurgaon residence hosted the group, including Vicky Sharma, who was also arrested.
Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, positioned in the Lok Sabha’s callers’ gallery, obtained entrance passes through BJP MP Pratap Sinha’s office. Two individuals were apprehended inside the Lok Sabha, and a woman and a man were caught outside.
Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan, from Lucknow and Mysuru, respectively, popped the bank barrels inside the Lok Sabha. Those caught outside were from Latur (Amol Shinde) and Hisar (Neelam Devi). Mr. Simha, the BJP MP, stated he would meet the Lok Sabha Speaker to clarify his office’s role in the pass requests.
The group, acquainted for four years, planned the breach and familiarized themselves with the Parliament complex. There is no evidence suggesting radicalization by any terror group. Police released details, including Aadhaar cards, and Neelam Devi, a 42-year-old schoolteacher, was reportedly involved in the 2020 farmers’ protest but not affiliated with any political party.
The breach occurred 22 years after a terror attack on the old Parliament, following threats by a Khalistani terrorist, Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. During the incident, Sagar Sharma entered the Lok Sabha, popping a barrel and attempting to reach the Speaker’s Chair, while Manoranjan remained in the gallery. Neelam Devi and Amol Shinde protested outside with bank barrels, denouncing authoritarianism.
All arrested individuals are being interrogated by Delhi Police’s anti-terror cell. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla assured MPs that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and the seized items were recovered.
