Lalit Mohan Jha, a key accused in the recent Parliament security breach incident, surrendered to the Kartavya Path Police station in Delhi on Thursday evening. Jha, considered the mastermind behind the conspiracy, had initially fled the scene after recording a video of the incident.
In the security breach, Sagar Sharma (26) and Manoranjan D (34) jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber, releasing colored smoke and shouting slogans before being subdued by MPs. Simultaneously, Amol Shinde (25) and Neelam Devi (37) sprayed colored smoke outside Parliament, protesting with slogans like “tanashahi nahi chalegi.”
Lalit Mohan Jha, a resident of Kolkata and reportedly a teacher, played a pivotal role in the incident. After escaping to Nagaur in Rajasthan, he returned to Delhi by bus upon realizing the police were searching for him. The Delhi Police, engaged in a massive manhunt, arrested Jha following his voluntary surrender at the police station.
Jha had sent a video of the incident to Neelaksh Aish, founder of an NGO, and was believed to be associated with a Kolkata-based NGO. The Delhi Police Special Cell sought information from Aish about Jha. Notably, Jha came to Parliament with four others but, having only two passes, took the mobile phones of the other individuals involved.
The Patiala House Court granted seven days of custodial remand for the other four accused – Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, and Neelam Devi – who were charged under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA (Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act) and relevant sections of the IPC (Indian Penal Code). The police asserted that it was a well-planned attack on Parliament, accusing the individuals of engaging in an act of terrorism to incite fear.
During the court proceedings, the Delhi Police emphasized the necessity of custodial interrogation to uncover the motive behind the incident and explore potential involvement of other individuals. They also mentioned the need to investigate special shoes made in Lucknow, suggesting a probe in Mumbai, Mysore, and Lucknow.