In a significant breakthrough, the Delhi Police have apprehended Lalit Jha, believed to be the orchestrator of the recent security breach at the Lok Sabha on December 13. Jha, a West Bengal-based teacher, was arrested on Thursday night, marking a pivotal turn in the investigation.
During the court proceedings at the Patiala House Court on Friday, the Delhi Police presented compelling evidence suggesting Jha’s pivotal role in masterminding the breach. They disclosed that Jha meticulously organized the entire operation, delegating specific responsibilities to individuals identified as Sagar, Manoranjan, Neelam, and Amol.
In their plea for custody, the police highlighted the imperative need to access Jha’s mobile device, crucial for unraveling the motive behind the breach. The court granted a seven-day custody to the police to facilitate further investigation into the matter.
The investigation unveiled a meticulously planned scheme that involved individuals from different states. Reportedly, the accused individuals had convened approximately 1.5 years ago in Mysuru, where the initial stages of planning commenced. Jha, leveraging his position as a teacher, assumed a central role in strategizing the breach.
Key details emerged during the investigation, shedding light on the intricacies of the plan. Jha directed Manoranjan D to conduct a reconnaissance mission of the older Parliament building in July, uncovering a critical security loophole—shoes were not subjected to inspection. Exploiting this vulnerability, the perpetrators concealed canisters within specially crafted shoes, manufactured on order in Lucknow, which were subsequently procured by Amol.
Surprisingly, Jha’s family expressed astonishment at his involvement, asserting their lack of knowledge regarding his activities. Jha, known for his association with NGOs and as a private tutor, had informed his Bihar-based family members of his purported trip to Delhi for personal reasons, concealing the true nature of his intentions.
Jha’s evasion to Rajasthan following the arrest of his accomplices further compounded the intrigue surrounding the breach. He evaded authorities, eventually arriving in Delhi on his own volition, where he voluntarily presented himself at a police station before his subsequent arrest and interrogation.
The arrest of Lalit Jha marks a significant milestone in the investigation, opening doors to a deeper understanding of the motives and intricacies behind the audacious Lok Sabha security breach. As the Delhi Police delve further into this convoluted plot, more revelations are anticipated, promising to unravel the complete narrative behind this meticulously orchestrated event.
Sources By Agencies
