New Delhi: The Indian parliament faced a significant security breach on Wednesday when two persons disrupted proceedings by setting off a smoke canister inside the legislature. Security personnel swiftly arrested the pair, along with two others detained outside the building.
The disturbance escalated when one man jumped onto the floor of the Lower House from an overhead visitors’ gallery.
Official footage captured the chaotic scene, showing one man shouting slogans and leaping over tables between stunned lawmakers before triggering a device, releasing yellow smoke into the chamber. The motives of the disruptors and how they managed to bypass security checks remain unclear, with New Delhi police yet to provide details on the incident.
Indian Parliament Session Disrupted
After a brief adjournment, parliament resumed its session, with Speaker Om Birla informing lawmakers that four individuals had been arrested in connection with the disruption. Birla assured that a thorough investigation was underway, and directions had been given to the Delhi police.
“There is nothing to worry about,” stated Birla, reassuring lawmakers that the smoke was not hazardous to human health. Lawmaker Hanuman Beniwal deemed the incident a “very serious episode,” raising concerns about the security of India’s new parliament inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year. Beniwal, noting around 150 lawmakers present during the disruption, called for a comprehensive inquiry.
The incident occurred on the 22nd anniversary of an attack on the parliament’s previous home in New Delhi, where five gunmen shot dead at least eight security personnel and a gardener. This previous attack also coincided with a parliamentary session.
