Gas Bomb Attack in Indian Parliament, Security Breach of New Lok Sabha Chamber

Chaos ensued in the Lok Sabha as two intruders entered the new chamber from the public gallery and released yellow gas from canisters. This incident was shocking and unexpected. The incident took place on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 1 pm. The House was in session for the Zero Hour. The Intruders sneaked and implemented the Gas bomb attack in Lok Sabha. Members of Parliament (MPs) and security personnel subdued the perpetrators and subsequently arrested them. The Chairperson, Rajendra Agarwal, adjourned the House until 2 pm. 

This incident of trespassing has brought into question the level of safety and security at the recently inaugurated Parliament building by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 28th, 2023. The new building, which is a triangular-shaped structure located next to the old Parliament House, has a larger and more modern Lok Sabha chamber, with a seating capacity of 888 members. Government sources indicated that the security arrangements for the new building were supposed to be more advanced and foolproof.

Lalit Jha and Amol Shinde, the intruders, asserted their affiliation as activists of a group named ‘Save India.’ They both implemented  gas bomb attack in the new Lok Sabha to protest against the government’s policies. They want to draw attention to the issues of farmers, unemployment, and corruption. They also said that they used ‘color bombs’, which are harmless devices. It emits colored smoke, and not tear gas canisters, as alleged by some MPs.

However, the police found several controversial posts on their social media accounts, where they expressed anti-government and anti-national sentiments. One of the posts said, ‘India needs a bomb, not democracy’. The police also detained two other persons, Neelam and Bhajan Lal Sharma. They were protesting outside the new Parliament building with similar color bombs. Authorities registered a case against them under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. The police confiscated all their possessions.

The incident sparked outrage and condemnation from various political parties and leaders. They demanded strict action against the intruders and the security lapse. Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Leader of Congress in the Lok Sabha, expressed concern over the incident. Adhir stated the significant breach of security and posed a threat to democracy. He also mentioned intruders hurled an object that emitted gas, which could have been harmful to the health of the MPs and the staff. He demanded a thorough investigation and a report from the government.

As per The Times of India news Home Minister, Amit Shah assured that the government would take all necessary steps to ensure the security and dignity of the new Parliament building.