National Desk, 14th December: In response to a significant security lapse on December 13th, 2023, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has suspended eight security personnel responsible for a breach in Parliament security.
The breach occurred during the Winter Session proceedings, where two individuals entered the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors’ gallery, releasing yellow smoke from canisters and causing chaos.
The incident, coincidentally on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament, raised serious concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place.
The suspended personnel, responsible for key access points, including the entry gate and Parliament House Entry Area, are now under investigation.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla has ordered a high-level inquiry into the matter, highlighting the need for stringent security protocols at this critical institution.
The Home Ministry, emphasizing its commitment to preventing future lapses, appointed the chief of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to lead the investigation.
In parallel, police detained five individuals involved in the breach, with the anti-terror unit special cell of the Delhi Police conducting thorough questioning.
The incident has prompted a reevaluation of security measures, especially with the ongoing construction of the new Parliament building.
This security breach underscores the critical importance of robust security systems, particularly in national institutions like the Lok Sabha, where legislative business is conducted.
The prompt suspension of the involved security personnel reflects the Lok Sabha Secretariat’s zero-tolerance approach to compromising the safety of Parliament.