Lalit Mohan Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the recent Lok Sabha security breach, was apprehended on Thursday after surrendering to the police. Jha, a key accused in the Parliament security incident, turned himself in at Kartavya Path Police station, subsequently handed over to the Special Cell of the Delhi Police.
Accompanied by another individual, Jha's arrest is a significant development in the case involving four individuals charged with terrorism under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The major security breach saw Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan D entering the Lok Sabha chamber, setting off smoke canisters, while Neelam Devi and Anmol Shinde protested outside.
Latest developments reveal that Jha, arrested on Thursday night, is believed to be the mastermind behind the Lok Sabha breach on the anniversary of the Parliament Attack. The Delhi Police Special Cell has taken him into custody, and the interrogation is currently underway. Notably, Jha had allegedly shared a video of the attack via WhatsApp.
Police sources indicate that no mobile phone was recovered from Jha, raising suspicions of phone destruction. Post the Lok Sabha breach, Jha headed to Kuchaman, meeting a friend named Mahesh, who arranged accommodation for the night.
The terrorism charges filed under UAPA against the four individuals—Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, and Neelam Devi—include various sections addressing terrorist acts, conspiracy, and criminal offenses. Vishal Sharma alias Vickey, in whose house the accused stayed in Gurugram, remains under detention.
Following the initial interrogation of the accused, the police asserted that it was a well-planned attack on Parliament. The accused appeared prepared for police questioning, indicating premeditation.
Regarding the motive behind the attack, the accused expressed discontent with issues such as the farmers' protest, ethnic conflict in Manipur, and unemployment. They claimed to share a common ideology and aimed to convey a message to the government.
Notably, two organizations' names have surfaced in the investigation, and their roles are under examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged ministers to avoid political squabbling over the issue, emphasizing the sensitivity of the matter. Opposition uproar in Parliament led to the suspension of 14 MPs, demanding a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah.
In response to the security lapse, Lok Sabha Secretariat suspended eight security personnel stationed at critical access points. Speaker Om Birla ordered a high-level inquiry, and Delhi Police established a special cell for the investigation. BJP MP Pratap Simha, who authorized passes for the accused, denied prior knowledge and faced demands for strict action.
As the investigation unfolds, the nation awaits further details on the unfolding events surrounding this significant security breach.