News Brief
Four Arrested For Parliament Security Breach Charged Under Anti-Terror Law: Here's What Has Happened So Far
Swarajya Staff
Dec 14, 2023, 08:44 AM | Updated 08:44 AM IST
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The four people who were arrested over the security breach in the Parliament have been charged under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) after lengthy interrogations.
Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma were arrested for breaking into the Lok Sabha, leaping from the visitors' gallery, and opening smoke cans.
Meanwhile, Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were also detained for setting off smoke canisters outside the Parliament.
According to a senior police officer cited in an Indian Express report, an FIR has been filed against them at the Parliament Street police station.
They have been charged under section 16 and 18 of UAPA, along with the IPC sections, including Section 153 (wantonly giving provocation with an intent to cause riot), Section 120-B (criminal conspiracy), Section 452 (trespassing), Section 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions), and Section 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servants from discharge of his duty).
"We have made their arrest and are conducting raids to nab their associate, Lalit Jha, who is absconding at the moment. The investigation has been handed over to the Counter Intelligence Unit of Special Cell,” the officer said.
The officer added that the accused will be produced before the Patiala House Court later in the day to get their police custody for further investigation.
All accused had reportedly arrived in the capital separately during the past several days.
Jha is alleged to have led them to a house in Gurgaon, which reportedly belongs to his friend, Vicky.
“The accused started planning the security breach in January, and Manoranjan even carried out a recce as he visited the Parliament complex during the Monsoon Session,” an officer informed.
Several days ago, Manoranjan coordinated with the personal staff of Member of Parliament Pratap Sinha, who is his local MP, to request a visitor's pass for 14 December.
However, the official staff contacted him on Tuesday to collect his pass, which was dated for 13 December. On Wednesday morning, Manoranjan and Sharma departed from Vicky's home in a radio taxi to head to Parliament.
Upon arrival, the pair entered the building while Jha, Azad, and Shinde remained outside.
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