New Delhi : Lalit Jha, identified as the purported mastermind behind the recent Parliament security breach, surrendered to the police, revealing a past as a reserved teacher in Burrabazar, Kolkata, before disappearing from the locality two years ago.
Local accounts depict Jha as a reserved figure who rarely engaged with the community, primarily teaching students in Burrabazar. According to Papun Shaw, a tea stall owner, Jha kept a low profile and left the area abruptly two years ago. Another resident remembers him as a teacher who seldom interacted with locals, mentioning his father’s role as a watchman in the area. Jha’s departure coincided with a shift to Baguiati in North 24 Parganas district.
Jha’s connection with Neelaksh Aich, the founder of an NGO, has also come to light. Aich recalls meeting Jha at a seminar in Kolkata and receiving a video from him showcasing the security breach. However, police investigations suggest that Jha orchestrated the attack, forming a plan with associates during a meeting in Mysuru a year ago.
Manoranjan, under Jha’s guidance, conducted a reconnaissance of Parliament’s entry points during the Monsoon Session. The accused claimed self-motivation in planning and executing the incident, although police suspect a wider network involved in the security breach. Authorities are examining the accused’s bank accounts to trace any external funding.
Jha’s Kolkata ties have triggered political discussions in West Bengal, with BJP president Sukanta Majumdar accusing TMC MLA Tapas Roy of being associated with Jha. Majumdar shared photographs of Roy with Jha, alleging a connection. However, Roy denied personal acquaintance, dismissing the BJP’s claims as an attempt to divert attention from their failures. The unfolding details underscore the need for a thorough investigation to comprehend the complexity of the security breach and any potential political implications.
