In response to the security breach in Parliament on December 13, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to assume control of the Parliament’s security from the Delhi Police.
The decision follows an inquiry by a committee headed by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Director General Anish Dayal Singh, which identified lapses in security procedures, particularly during the checking of visitors.
The Indian Express coted sources as saying that Delhi Police personnel, who were on deputation to the Parliament Security Services, were found to be operating independently of the Delhi Police command at the entrance gate. In light of this, the MHA has instructed the CISF to conduct a comprehensive survey of the Parliament building and its premises to facilitate the regular deployment of its security and fire wing personnel.
The MHA’s approval for the survey was communicated to the CISF Headquarters by Under Secretary Ashutosh Kumar on December 20. A letter from a DIG-rank CISF officer to the IG (CISF NCR Sector) outlined the formation of a joint survey board, with the objective of conducting the survey in association with representatives from the Parliament Secretariat.
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The December 13 security breach involved individuals from Lucknow and Mysuru entering the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors’ gallery, causing panic among MPs by shouting slogans and releasing yellow smoke canisters. Subsequently, eight security personnel were suspended by the Lok Sabha Secretariat due to the security lapse.
CISF, known for providing security cover to critical installations such as atomic power plants, space installations, airports, and government buildings, will now extend its expertise to safeguarding the Parliament premises. The force currently secures 66 domestic and international airports and provides fire protection cover to 110 industrial undertakings.
An official stated that the CISF’s specialization in airport security dates back to 2000, following the hijacking of Indian Airlines Flight IC-814 to Kandahar. The force has been deployed at key airports nationwide, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, reported IE.