Shruti Suman
A breach in Parliament on Wednesday was the result of meticulous planning spanning at least 18 months and involved individuals from different states linked by a common social media page named the ‘Bhagat Singh Fan Club,’ according to police officials. The shocking incident occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, from Lucknow and Mysore, respectively, jumped from the visitors’ gallery into the Lok Sabha chamber during the Zero Hour, releasing yellow smoke canisters. Sharma attempted to reach the Speaker’s Chair but was subdued by MPs.
Outside Parliament, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde, residents of Jind and Maharashtra, respectively, released yellow and red smoke canisters, protesting against “dictatorship.” Other accused include Lalit Jha, who filmed the incident and fled with their cellphones, and Vicky Sharma, in whose house the attackers stayed. Meetings among the accused began in Mysuru 18 months ago, focusing on issues like unemployment and inflation. A detailed plan emerged during a meeting near Chandigarh airport nine months ago. Sharma conducted a reconnaissance of the Parliament complex four months before the attack.
The accused gathered at India Gate on December 10, where Shinde distributed canisters. Despite security concerns on the anniversary of the 2001 attack and a prior threat, Sharma and Manoranjan breached the Parliament. Sharma, Manoranjan, Neelam, and Shinde were arrested, while Vicky Sharma and his wife were detained. Lalit Jha, who fled with cellphones, is being sought. The four arrested individuals face charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and other sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy and promoting enmity. They are currently under interrogation.
