Parl Security Breach: What Are Colour Gas Canisters? How Dangerous Are They?

In a shocking incident, two youths jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery during Zero Hour, released yellow gas from canisters and shouted slogans before being overpowered by the MPs on Wednesday.

The major security breach had the involvement of six people out of which five people have already been arrested. The incidents came on a day when the nation is observing the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attack. The accused are identified as Sagar Sharma, D Manoranjan, Amol Shinde and Neelam Devi and Vishal Sharma.

What Are Colour Gas Canisters? How Dangerous Are They?

Coloured smoke canisters, commonly referred to as smoke bombs or smoke cans, are legally accessible in most countries and serve diverse purposes. Military forces employ smoke grenades to generate smoke screens, offering concealment during operations and concealing troop movements from adversaries.

Similarly, civilians utilize them to create visual effects in photography or enhance the ambience during sports events, such as displaying team colours. This practice is particularly notable in European football, where fan clubs employ these devices to augment the atmosphere in stadiums.

As per the reports, the smoke bombs are composed of a sheet steel cylinder featuring four emission holes on the top and one on the bottom, facilitating the release of smoke upon ignition. The filler comprises 250 to 350 grams of coloured smoke composition, typically consisting of potassium chlorate, lactose, and a dye, allowing for a wide range of colours.

They are not classified as dangerous. However, exposure to the smoke may cause irritation to the eyes and nose.

Meanwhile, the case against the six people has been registered under IPC sections 120B (criminal conspiracy), 452 (trespass), 153 (wantonly giving provocation, with intent to cause riot), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharge of his duty) and UAPA sections 16 and 18 at the Parliament Street police station.