Engineering graduate, farmer’s son: Who is Manoranjan D, man who barged into Parliament?

Within an hour of the incident in the national capital, Vijayanagar police in Mysuru visited his house and collected information about his son’s activities. The probe has so far revealed that Manoranjan got the visitors’ pass from the office of Mysuru-Kodagu MP Pratap Simha. In the footage, he can be seen jumping from the visitors’ gallery into the chamber of the House.

“Four days ago, he left saying he was going to Bengaluru… I got calls from my friends and relatives about the incident. I tried reaching him out but his phone was not working. I am utterly shocked, but I want to make it clear that he is an honest citizen and a good son. But I condemn his act of entering the Parliament,” said Devaraj.

Manoranjan, 35, is unmarried and was involved in farming alongside his father. He is an engineering graduate and has in the past worked in an IT firm in Bengaluru. His father said he would travel to Delhi and Bengaluru often.

“He used to read a lot of books, especially by Swami Vivekananda. I am not aware of his political leanings. He was a student leader and even to this day he wants to bring reform in society,” said Devaraj.

Emphasising that they are a “farming family”, Devaraj said: “I do not know what my son does when he goes out. Only thing I know is that he reads a lot of books. We are honest people and good citizens of this country.”

Asked about their association with Pratap Simha, Devaraj said he is their local MP and they share a good relationship with him.

⚡ Best of Express: Read our full coverage of the Parliament security breach

👉🏽 On the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack, a massive security breach took place in Lok Sabha, when two intruders leapt into the chamber from the visitors gallery and opened smoke cans. Meanwhile, outside the Parliament, two others were arrested for protesting with coloured smoke.

👉🏽 But how did they manage to dodge layers of security inside the Parliament House? We explain. 

👉🏽 Since the incident, the entry of visitors in the House has now been suspended. As one would expect, jumping into the chamber of the House is not permitted under the Rules of the House. What do the rules say? Read our report. 

👉🏽 Turns out, just a day before the security breach, the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) floated a tender for additional security infrastructure, including gadgets and bulletproof barriers, for the Parliament complex. We break down the CPWD’s proposed project.

👉🏽 “I was at a vantage point, right outside the chamber from where more MPs rushed out – some anxious, the others agitated.” The Indian Express’ Deputy Editor Liz Mathew witnessed Wednesday’s intrusion from the media gallery of the Parliament. She recounts what happened.