The lok Sabha on Friday morning witnessed commotion after a man sitting in the visitor’s gallery tried to jump over the railings into the House chamber. Security personnel promptly overpowered him before whisking him away. He was later identified as Rakesh Singh Baghel from Shivpuri in Madhya Pradesh.
The unprecedented incident happened soon after the proceedings were adjourned at 1120 hours amid vociferous protests by the Opposition over the demonetisation issue. As members started leaving after the House was adjourned, an Opposition member, who had earlier trooped into the Well, pointed out that security personnel in the visitors’ gallery were grappling with a person whose right foot was hanging from the wooden railings, above Treasury benches.
Baghel was caught and lifted up by about 4-5 alert personnel. It then transpired that he had tried to jump into the lok Sabha chamber. He was caught and then bundled out. Other visitors were then guided out of the gallery, which is right opposite the Press enclosure. Had he succeeded in his attempt, he would have landed on the Treasury benches.
Delhi Police personnel in plain clothes are usually seated in the front rows of the Visitors’ Gallery to prevent such incidents. Senior ministers including Arun Jaitley and leaders like Mulayam Singh Yadav were in the House when the incident took place, after Speaker left seat announcing adjournment upto 12noon.
later when the House reassembled at noon, Speaker Sumitra Mahajan identified the man, while mentioning the incident.
“He may be released with a warning after enquiry,” Mahajan said and hoped that the House agreed with it. In response, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said they are in agreement.