Mann video: Probe panel seeks extension

The Lok Sabha panel probing Bhagwant Mann's Parliament House videography issue is likely to seek a fresh extension to finalise its report as it yesterday heard security personnel deployed at the gate from where the AAP MP entered the high-security zone while making a video.

Sources said while the earlier plan was to submit the report by August 18 it may seek a fresh extension up to August 24.

"The security personnel who were positioned at entry gate on the day when Mann shot the video were today summoned by the panel," a committee member said.

The purpose behind calling these personnel was to find out if there were any loopholes in the security apparatus and what actually transpired that day when AAP MP entered the complex.

The security personnel described the whole incident and it will be considered while taking the final decision, the member added. The next meeting of the committee is likely to be held on August 23.

The Chairman of the panel, Kirit Somaiya of BJP had said the committee will submit its report in two parts--one related to the role of Mann in exposing the Parliament security and the other suggesting corrective measures.

The nine-member committee was set up to probe the incident termed by many as "serious breach" of security of the Parliament House complex. A cross section of MPs had questioned the "improper conduct" of Mann in videographing and posting "critical footage" of Parliament House complex on social media.

In view of the seriousness of the matter, the AAP MP from Sangrur has been asked not to attend the sittings of the House until a decision has been taken.

Besides Somaiya, the panel has two BJP members—Meenakshi Lekhi and Satyapal Singh. The others are Anandrao Adsul (Shiv Sena), B Mahtab (BJD), Ratna De (TMC), Thota Narasimham (TDP), K C Venugopal (Congress) and P Venugopal (AIADMK).