News Brief

Made-In-China Smoke Canisters, Shoes With Cavities, Extra Rubber Sole: What FIR Reveals On Parliament Security Breach

Nishtha Anushree

Dec 15, 2023, 01:15 PM | Updated 01:15 PM IST


Yellow smoke in parliament released by intruders
Yellow smoke in parliament released by intruders

In its First Information Report (FIR) concerning the security breach at Parliament, the Delhi Police detailed the modifications made by intruders Sagar Sharma (25) and Manoranjan D (35) to their footwear. The report stated that the duo hollowed out cavities in their shoe soles and added a thick rubber layer for support to accommodate the canisters.

The FIR additionally notes down the specific hue and brand of the shoes and socks the individuals were wearing, along with the containers they were carrying. It also provides details about the discovered pamphlets that featured an image of a tricolor fist and a Hindi slogan "Jai Hind", as well as an English slogan related to the issue in Manipur.

On 13 December, Sharma of Lucknow and Manoranjan of Mysuru caused a stir in the Lok Sabha chamber. They leaped from the visitors' gallery, started chanting slogans, and released canisters that spewed out yellow smoke. This action led to widespread panic among the attendees and provoked inquiries of "what if".

According to Indian Express, an FIR was filed at the Parliament Street police station following a complaint made by Delhi Police personnel. The complaint was handed over by Omkar Singh, Deputy Director of Lok Sabha, at the office of Director Security new Parliament House Building.

Singh was accompanied by two individuals, Sharma and Manoranjan, who also provided their shoes and Aadhaar cards. Additionally, two used canisters of creative colors smoke yellow and one Lok Sabha Public gallery Pass number were handed over. The FIR indicates that the used creative color smoke canisters were allegedly burst by Sharma and Manoranjan inside the Lok Sabha.

In the official police report, it was noted that Sharma's grey sports shoes had a concealed cavity, which was formed by cutting the inner sole of the left shoe. The thickness of the shoe soles was augmented by adding an extra rubber layer at the bottom, providing support for the hollow space.

Similarly, Manoranjan's dark grey sports shoes also had a hidden cavity, created by cutting the inner sole of the left shoe. The right shoe's inner sole was partially cut as well. The shoe soles were thickened by attaching an extra rubber layer at the bottom to reinforce the cavity.

The FIR reveals that the duo utilised damp canisters filled with creative color smoke, which they subsequently detonated and were later confiscated. In addition, two partially ripped and damaged pamphlets were discovered. These pamphlets were stored in two distinct plastic covers and were also seized, as per the FIR.

The Parliament Street police station received additional information about the detonation of fireworks and the apprehension of two more suspects, Amol Shinde and Neelam. They were discovered engaging in similar activities outside gate number 2/3 of the Parliament House and were found to be associates of Sharma and Manoranjan during the initial investigation.

Four expended canisters of creative colour smoke and one unspent canister were recovered from the scene, all of which carried warnings to always wear goggles and gloves and to avoid usage in enclosed spaces. The canisters also carried instructions indicating they should only be used in supervised arenas and were made in China, according to the FIR.

The police stated in the FIR that preliminary evidence gathered from the complaint, on-site inquiries, examination of Daily Diary entries, and inspection of the location, along with other available materials, establishes a prima facie case under sections 153, 120-B, 452, 186, 353 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 16 and 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

These sections pertain to incitement with intent to cause a riot, criminal conspiracy, trespass, obstruction of a public servant in the execution of public duties, and assault or criminal force to deter public servants from performing their duty, respectively. The FIR further mentions that the case is to be further investigated by the Special Cell, as directed by senior officers.

Nishtha Anushree is Senior Sub-editor at Swarajya. She tweets at @nishthaanushree.


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