Nation

Lalit Jha’s Family ‘Shocked’ By His Link To Parliament Security Breach

December 16, 2023
Bharat Times

Lok Sabha Security Breach: The family members of Lalit Mohan Jha, the alleged mastermind behind the Parliament security breach, are still in a state of shock and disbelief over the incident. Jha’s father, Devanand, said that he could never imagine that his son would be involved in such an incident. He also said that he was unaware of Lalit’s arrest and got to know about it from others.

In Bihar’s Darbhanga, Devanand told reporters that he could never imagine that his son would be involved in such an incident. “I don’t know how this happened. His name was never featured in any criminal case in the past. He has been a very good student since childhood,” Devanand said, as quoted by PTI.

“We have been living in Kolkata for the past 50 years. But, on the occasion of Chhath puja, we visit our ancestral village (Rampur Udai in Darbhanga). This year, however, we could not come to our village on time… Later, we boarded a train from Kolkata for Darbhanga on December 10, but Lalit did not come with us,” he added.

Devanand further stated that he used to teach students at private tuition classes and coaching center. “Lalit used to teach students at private tuition classes and coaching center. We came to know from others that he has been arrested,” Devanand said, as quoted by PTI. 

In a major security breach inside the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, two people jumped from the audience gallery into the chamber and hurled gas cannisters. The incident led to panic, and the Lok Sabha was adjourned. The two people were later detained.

Meanwhile, outside the Parliament complex, two people, including a woman, fired some colour bombs while holding a demonstration. They were also detained by police. Lalit was arrested in New Delhi on Thursday evening.

The elder brother of Lalit Jha, Shambhu Jha, has expressed shock over the incident, saying that the whole family is still in a state of disbelief. “We don’t know how he got involved in all this. He always stayed away from trouble. He was a calm and quiet kid since childhood and was very introvert. We knew he was involved with NGOs and, apart from being a private tutor, we are really shocked to see his images on television channels,” Shambhu told reporters, as quoted by PTI.

Since Wednesday night, Shambhu’s phone has not stopped ringing, with both police and relatives inquiring about the whereabouts of Jha, as reported by PTI.

We Last Saw Lalit On December 10 When We Left For Our Hometown, Says Elder Brother Shambhu 

Speaking about Lalit, Shambhu also said that the family last saw him on December 10 when they left for their hometown in Bihar.”We last saw him on December 10 when we left for our hometown in Bihar. He came with us to see us off at Sealdah station. The next day he called us and said he was going to New Delhi for some personal work. That was the last time we spoke with him,” he said.

‘Hardly Used To Interact With Locals’: Lalit’s Neighbours Surprised To See His Images On News Channels

Lalit’s neighbours were surprised to see his images on news channels, recalling him as a reserved individual who seldom engaged with the community at Burrabazar in Kolkata. Papun Shaw, a tea stall owner at Rabindra Sarani in the Burrabazar area, the business district of the city, identified Lalit as a “teacher” who disappeared two years ago.

Shaw said, “He was known as a teacher, used to teach local students. A few years ago, he came to the area and was living alone. He hardly used to interact with locals. At times, he would have tea at my stall. He used to keep a very low profile. He suddenly left the area two years ago and never returned,” as quoted by PTI.

Lalit Jha Brought To Patiala House Court By Delhi Police

Lalit was brought to Patiala House Court by Delhi Police on Friday.