New Delhi: The Delhi Police Special Cell investigators have reached out to the Lucknow Police for assistance in locating the cobbler responsible for crafting specialised shoes for D. Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma.

These custom-designed shoes played a crucial role in enabling the duo to discreetly conceal smoke canisters, allowing them to circumvent the rigorous security protocols at the Parliament entry gates. They set off yellow smoke from canisters and chanted slogans before being subdued by MPs on Dec. 13. The cobbler is suspected to have modified the footwear worn by Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma.

According to the Delhi Police, Sagar Sharma initially attempted to modify the shoes independently. Failing in his endeavour, he then sought the assistance of a roaming cobbler in Alambagh, Lucknow. Despite a prior visit by a Police team to Lucknow this month in search of the cobbler, their efforts proved unsuccessful.

During interrogation, Sagar revealed his unsuccessful attempt to create shoes with a concealed compartment, exploiting the fact that footwear was not scrutinised at Parliament entry points. Subsequently, he purchased two pairs of shoes, each priced at Rs. 595, from a nearby shop in Alambagh for himself and Manoranjan.

The cobbler in question made modifications by cutting the inside sole of the left shoe and adding extra rubber to create a cavity. Signs of tampering were also evident in the right shoe, as detailed in the FIR.

Despite the Delhi Police Special Cell’s visit to Lucknow not yielding information about the cobbler’s whereabouts, they did question multiple local cobblers based on Sagar’s statements. In addition to seeking the cobbler as a potential witness, the Police discovered shoes, soles and a shoe size ruler during a search at Sagar’s residence in Alambagh.

Delhi rounds

Last Wednesday, Sagar Sharma and Manoranjan were taken by the Delhi Police to Sadar Bazar where they bought Indian flags and to India Gate where they assembled before entering the Parliament. The accused had distributed the flags and smoke canisters at India Gate.

The two were also taken to the Maharani Bagh area in New Friends Colony where they had held a meeting to discuss their plan, the person said. An official privy to the investigation said that the accused were being taken to these places to establish the sequence of events that culminated with the Parliament security breach.

Polygraph test of all accused

The Delhi Police Special Cell approached Patiala House Court yesterday seeking permission to conduct a polygraph test of the six people who were arrested in connection with the Parliament security breach incident.

Their assigned counsel did not appear in Court and the Bench said it was necessary for the accused to talk to their lawyers before permission is granted for the polygraph test.

Due to the absence of lawyers for the accused, the Court adjourned the case to Jan. 2.