New Delhi: On Wednesday, December 13, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla called a meeting to discuss the alarming security breach at Parliament, which revealed several serious flaws in the security protocol. Opposition leaders, in attendance, raised serious concerns about the lapses that allowed two individuals to disrupt proceedings within the high-security complex.
News agency PTI, citing sources, reported that the two accused, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, gained entry using passes valid for only 45 minutes. However, they remained in the visitors’ gallery for nearly two hours, exceeding the authorised duration and blatantly violating established security protocols.
Furthermore, concerns were raised regarding the inadequate manpower within the security unit. Sources revealed that, against a sanctioned strength of 301 security officers, only 176 are currently employed, leaving 125 positions vacant. The situation is particularly dire within the Security Assistant Grade-II category, with just nine officers against a sanctioned strength of 72. Similarly, the current strength of security assistant grade-I officers stands at 24, significantly below the sanctioned strength of 69.
Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, who participated in the meeting, emphasised the gravity of the situation. “We raised several crucial questions,” he stated. “How did these individuals stay beyond their allotted time? In 2001, when terrorists attacked Parliament, unarmed personnel played a vital role in stopping the attack. This incident took place on the anniversary of that tragedy, and yet, security was so lax. Why did such a massive lapse occur?”
In response to these concerns, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla assured members of all parties that a thorough review of the security arrangements would be conducted. He pledged to implement corrective measures in the wake of this incident, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate action.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have arrested five individuals in connection with the case: Manoranjan D, Sagar Sharma, Neelam, Amol Shinde, and Vicky. A sixth individual, identified as Lalit, remains at large. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The security breach at Parliament has served as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the complex. The revelations made during the meeting and the concerns raised by opposition leaders highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive review and strengthening of security protocols to ensure the safety and security of Parliament in the future.
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