Dept in charge of House safety under scanner

THE PSS IS A SPECIALISED DEPARTMENT THAT MONITORS THE SECURITY OF THE INTERIORS OF PARLIAMENT

- Prawesh Lama

An investigation into the security breach in Parliament will review lapses not only by Delhi Police and paramilitary forces but also the Parliament Security Service (PSS), a specialised department primarily tasked with safeguarding the entire complex, officials aware of the details said on Thursday.

On Wednesday, two people managed to clear multiple layers of security, smuggled smoke canisters into the Lok Sabha, and jumped into the House from the visitor's gallery; two others protested outside the building with similar gas canisters and shouted slogans.

The suspects, investigators said, hid the canisters in their shoes, uncovering glaring gaps in the Parliament's security machinery.

The security breach-the gravest since the Dece 2001 terror attack two decades ago-triggered protests and led to the suspension of eight security personnel.

"Investigators will not only probe the lapses by Delhi Police and paramilitary forces but also the PSS that is largely responsible for the security inside the complex," an official aware of the details said.