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Parliament security breach: Lalit Jha, prime accused, sent to 7-day police custody

by Trans World Features | @twfindia 15 Dec 2023, 06:55 pm

New Delhi: Lalit Jha, the prime accused in the Parliament security breach, has been sent to seven-day police custody by Delhi's Patiala House Court, media reports said.

He has reportedly confessed that he was the "prime conspirator".

What's the matter?

Triggering panic and chaos in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, two men carrying smoke canisters jumped into the chamber of the Lower House from the visitors' gallery.

The incident coincided with the 22nd anniversary of the terrorist attack on Parliament.

Six people were involved in the planning and execution of a major security breach in Parliament on Wednesday, media reports said.

Actions taken

Five people were arrested on Wednesday itself for the security breach that has prompted the Opposition to corner the central government. They have been sent to seven-day police custody.

Lalit Jha, who was on the run, surrendered to the police on Thursday.

According to reports, he had gone to the police station on Kartavya Path (the boulevard renamed 'Path of Duty') and surrendered.

He has been formally arrested and the New Delhi District Police has handed him over to the Special Cell.

The Kolkata-based teacher was arrested from Delhi after being on the run for nearly two days.

Amit Shah on the incident

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has acknowledged the security breach in Parliament as a "serious matter" but slammed the Opposition for "playing politics" over it.

Speaking at Agenda AajTak 2023 session, Shah said, "This is a serious matter. The Lok Sabha Speaker has taken it very seriously. The Opposition is playing politics over it. I am not saying there was no lapse. There was a lapse for sure and that's why the incident had happened."

He added, "Everybody knows the Parliament security is under the Lok Sabha Speaker, who wrote a letter to the Union Home Ministry. We have formed a committee under the leadership of one of the senior-most DGP.

"The report will reach the Speaker in a few days' time. It would be appropriate if the Speaker unveils the report."