UP CM Yogi Adityanath calls security breach a 'dangerous terrorist conspiracy', electronic devices banned inside House

Calling it a conspiracy for a possible terror attack on the UP State Legislature, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly unanimously recommended a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after the recovery of about 150 grams of PETN inside the Vidhan Bhawan building on July 12.

An announcement in this regard was made by UP Assembly Speaker HN Dixit after members of the House unanimously passed a resolution recommending a NIA probe into the security breach.

The powder explosive was recovered by the Vidhan Sabha security staff during a routine security check on July 12 morning, although the dog squad had failed to sniff out the odourless powder explosive. It was found three tables away from the seat of the Leader of Opposition Ram Govind Chowdhary.

After receiving the Forensic Lab report, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath confirmed on the floor of the House on Friday that it was PETN, a high quality explosive. Yogi informed the House that the recovered explosive was sufficient enough to cause extensive damage to the building and lives of the legislators and staff members. “About 500 grams of explosive of this kind (PETN) is required to blow up the entire Vidhan Sabha building,” he added.

“Only members and staff are allowed inside the House but despite this, the high quality explosive was planted inside. It is a serious matter and a challenge to the State Legislature. Instead of discussing security of the people of the state, we are discussing our own security,” Yogi said.

"The security of the House is our concern. This is part of a dangerous terrorist conspiracy and should be exposed. The state government wants to get an NIA probe done in the matter and police verification of employees and officials working in Vidhan Bhawan," he said and urged the Speaker to take a decision.

On the recommendation of the Chief Minister and members of the House, Speaker HN Dixit cancelled all entry passes, including the media, to the Vidhan Sabha except for members and staff. 

The Speaker also issued new guidelines under which each and every member and staff entering the House will be thoroughly frisked and go through a body scanner. The Speaker also put a ban on taking bags, mobiles, laptops and other electronic items inside the House when in session.

He also directed to station a Quick Response Team (QRT) along with ATS personnel and PAC in Vidhan Sabha when the session is in progress. He also banned entries of all visitors to the high-security building.

“It was a big conspiracy and a possible terror attack to destablise the State Legislature. The House condemns the cowardly act and orders a NIA probe to expose those behind it,” announced the Speaker.

Significantly, the Deoria Police on Thursday had arrested a student, identified as Farhan Ahmed who had threatened to blow up the UP Assembly building on August 15, 2017.

The Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), STF and Police are interrogating Farhan again to find some clues linked to the PETN found inside the Assembly.