Lok Sabha security breach: Accused was seeking Parliament pass from BJP MP Simha for over three months, say sources

One of the accused in Parliament security breach case had been pursuing BJP MP Prathap Simha and his office for the pass for over three months, said sources. Simha, on whose authorisation passes were issued to two persons who jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber on Wednesday, knew one of the accused identified as Manoranjan D as he hailed from his constituency Mysuru and he would come to Simha’s office very often, they added. According to PTI, citing sources, Manoranjan introduced co-accused Sagar Sharma as a friend to the MP’s office and got passes issued to them on the pretext of watching the new Parliament. Three passes were issued at the behest of Simha for Wednesday. However, one person, a woman, had to return as she arrived with her child whose name was not mentioned in her pass, PTI quoted sources close to the MP as saying. The woman had no connection with the two accused. Facing flak, Simha’s office defended him, saying MPs generally entertain such requests from members of their constituency. With inputs from agencies