Who Is Lalit Jha ? Alleged ‘Mastermind’ Behind Parliament Security Breach Revealed

In a significant turn of events, Lalit Jha, a key accused in the Parliament security breach, surrendered before the Kartavya Path Police station in Delhi on Thursday evening. The mastermind behind the conspiracy, Lalit Mohan Jha, was subsequently arrested by the Delhi Police. Jha had initially fled the scene after capturing a video of the incident, as reported by the Delhi Police.

The breach, marked by Sagar Sharma (26) and Manoranjan D (34) leaping into the Lok Sabha chamber on Wednesday, was a major security lapse during Zero Hour. They released colored smoke and shouted slogans before being subdued by fellow MPs. Simultaneously, Amol Shinde (25) and Neelam Devi (37) sprayed colored smoke outside Parliament premises, echoing their dissatisfaction with prevailing issues.

Lalit Mohan Jha’s Arrest:

Lalit Mohan Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the security breach, reached Nagaur in Rajasthan by bus. After spending a night in a hotel with friends, he realized the police were searching for him. Jha decided to return to Delhi by bus, where he surrendered at the Kartavya Path Police station. The Delhi Police Special Cell has contacted Neelaksh Aish, founder of an NGO, for further information on Jha, reported to be associated with a Kolkata-based NGO.

Jha, a resident of Kolkata and a teacher by profession, recorded a video of the incident and sent it to Aish soon after. The police had been on a massive manhunt for Jha, and his surrender led to his immediate arrest.

Legal Proceedings:

On Thursday, Delhi’s Patiala House Court granted seven days of custodial remand for the other four accused: Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, Amol Shinde, and Neelam Devi. The police charged them under the stringent anti-terror law UAPA, in addition to sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). During the court hearing, the Delhi Police labeled the incident as a well-planned attack on Parliament, accusing the four of terrorism and attempting to incite fear.

The police highlighted the need for custodial interrogation to uncover the motive behind the breach and determine if others were involved. The accused were found carrying a pamphlet declaring Prime Minister Modi as a missing person, promising a reward from the Swiss Bank to whoever found him. The police argued that the accused depicted the PM as a proclaimed offender.

Influence and Motivation:

Influenced by revolutionary Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Lalit Jha and the other five accused were motivated to commit an act drawing the country’s attention. All six joined a Bhagat Singh fan page on Facebook, and during interrogation, Amol revealed their dissatisfaction with issues like the farmers’ protest, ethnic conflict in Manipur, and unemployment, motivating their actions.