Security Breach at Indian Parliament on 22nd Anniversary of Infamous Attack
India's parliament faced a shocking security breach as two unidentified men stormed the lower house on its 22nd anniversary of a deadly attack This alarming incident raises concerns about the vulnerability of the complex and the safety of its members
Two unnamed individuals forcibly entered the lower house of India's parliament on Wednesday, marking a significant breach in security on the anniversary of a previous deadly attack on the complex over twenty years ago. The incident was captured on video and broadcast live on Sansad TV, the official channel for the country's parliament, depicting a man jumping over tables and charging towards the speaker's chair as lawmakers attempted to restrain him.
Another man standing in the visitors gallery was seen spraying yellow smoke inside the building.
The parliaments session was briefly adjourned as lawmakers made their way outside.
As police gathered around the building, two additional individuals were spotted chanting slogans. Speaker of the lower house of parliament, Om Birla, informed lawmakers that all four individuals have been arrested and their belongings confiscated as parliament resumed.
Opposition lawmakers voiced their worries regarding the security breach.
Mallikarjun Kharge, the leader of India's primary opposition Congress party, stated, "The situation is extremely grave. It involves the ability of two individuals to enter despite extensive security measures and create a security breach."
Another Congress legislator, K.C. Venugopal, expressed his concern about the incident, stating that it was "extremely troubling." "I am thankful that no significant harm or damage occurred," he tweeted on X, formerly known as Twitter. "The Parliament is one of our country's most highly secure buildings. Such a significant security breach is not acceptable. We expect the Home Ministry to provide answers and a comprehensive review of the security measures in the new Parliament building."
CNN has contacted the Delhi police to obtain a statement.
On December 13, 2001, gunmen attacked India's parliament, resulting in the deaths of over a dozen individuals. New Delhi attributed the attack to terror groups linked to Pakistan, escalating tensions and bringing the two nuclear-armed nations dangerously close to war.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India honored the victims of the Parliament attack on Wednesday, paying tribute to the courageous security personnel who lost their lives. In a written statement, he expressed remembrance and heartfelt gratitude for their bravery and sacrifice, stating that their courage in the face of danger will always be remembered in the nation's history.
