Delhi Police nabs 5th suspect, slaps UAPA in Parliament breach case

The Special Cell of Delhi Police has successfully apprehended the fifth accused in the Parliament security breach case, that took place on Wednesday, December 13, reported Press Trust of India, while one is still on the run.

The six individuals, accused of planning and executing the intrusion on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack have also been charged with the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

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Key revelations

• The six of them have been in touch for four years and in days preceding the breach five of the accused had stayed at the alleged mastermind Lalit Jha's home in Gurugram, Haryana.
• The accused revealed they were associated with the 'Bhagat Singh Fan Club' on social media and had met in Mysuru, Karnataka about a year and a half ago.

• The meticulous planning also included a detailed reconnaissance, with one of the six entering Parliament earlier in March to exploit a security loophole, reported India Today.
• "They had met in Mysuru about one and a half years ago and later decided on their plan," sources stated during questioning.

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Legal action

• A case has been registered under various sections, including trespass, criminal conspiracy, obstruction, provocation with intent to cause riot, and invoking the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
• The Special Cell of Delhi Police, known for its expertise in anti-terror operations, is leading the investigation, reported PTI.

Enquiry committee

• Following the breach, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest of the intruders and seizure of materials.
• Preliminary investigations suggested the smoke was non-hazardous.

• The Ministry of Home Affairs has also set up an enquiry committee, led by CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh, to probe the security lapse.
• "We are taking this incident very seriously, and an enquiry committee has been set up to investigate the security lapse," said the Ministry of Home Affairs.

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What happened

• On Wednesday, December 13, during Zero Hour, two individuals, identified as Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D, breached the security protocols of the Lok Sabha chamber.
• The police found a  visitor pass from one of the accused, Sagar.
• The intrusion involved an attempt to jump into the well of the house and subsequent release of yellow gas and raising slogans.
• However, a bunch of Parliamentarians soon overpowered the intruder leading to their subsequent arrest.

• Meanwhile, a man and a woman,  Amol Shinde and Neelam, were detained outside the Parliament building, near Parivahan Bhavan for protesting with cans emitting yellowish smoke and raising slogans.
• The visitor pass used by one of the intruders was issued under BJP MP Pratap Simha's name, leading to Opposition leaders demanding accountability.
• MP Pratap Simha represents the Mysore-Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency of Karnataka.

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The breach coincided with Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun's threat to attack the Parliament on or before December 13 and the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack by LeT and JeM terrorists which claimed 9 lives.

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