The Delhi Police have released a press note, following the shooting at Rohini Court on Friday afternoon that left three dead included a wanted gangster who was undergoing trial, Jitender Maan Gogi.
In it, the police confirm that the attackers dressed as lawyers and were killed by police counter-fire. A case has been registered under various sections with an investigation being taken up in accordance with the guidelines of Hon’ble Apex Court and NHRC.
“Today, accused Jitender Maan @Gogi, a BC of PS Alipur, previously involved in over 30 heinous crimes and who was running in Judicial Custody, was brought to Rohini Court for appearance in a criminal trial pertaining to a case of PS Alipur. Being a Very High-Risk UTP, accused was being escorted by a strong contingent of IIIrd Battalion DAP,” the note says.
“At about 1315 hrs, soon after Jitender @ Gogi entered the Court Room No. 207 where the Presiding Officer, Sh. Gagandeep Singh, Ld. ASJ was holding Court, two unidentified assailants, who were already present in the Court, wearing full attire of practising advocates viz. Collar band, black blazer and trouser and black shoes, suddenly opened fire at him from their weapons.”
“As Jitender @ Gogi was hit, the Delhi Police staff present there on escort and other duties responded in a controlled, calibrated manner and in the counter fire, both the assailants received gunshot wounds and were immobilized. All there persons were later declared ‘brought dead’ in the hospital.”
“The Ld. Judicial Authorities of Rohini Court have been briefed of the incident. The District Police has been in regular coordination with Rohini Court Administration and all other stakeholders regarding security of the premises with various meetings held recently. Joint Commissioner of Police/Northern Range is inquiring into the incident and is also conducting a review for further strengthening the Court Security.”
The two gunmen dressed as lawyers belonged to a rival gang, officials told PTI.
Multiple shots fired within minutes, seemed like terror attack, say witnesses
A pistol and a spent bullet casing at the scene | Sourced
It seemed like a terror attack as gunshots rang out in staccato bursts, leaving people scrambling for cover behind doors and under tables and chairs in the courtrooms of the Rohini court complex, eyewitnesses said on Friday after the shootout.
In videos recorded by eyewitnesses, which went viral on social media, at least 10 gunshots can be heard and people, including children, can be seen running for cover as armed police personnel enter the courtroom.
Judge Gagandeep Singh sat in the court around 10.15 am and around 11.40 am, Gogi accompanied by Delhi Police personnel, including commandos, was brought for the hearing, advocate Sunil Tomar, who was present in the courtroom said.
"Within five minutes, two men in black dresses entered the court and started shooting at Gogi. Policemen retaliated and killed both of them," Tomar told reporters.
The lawyer said that unable to understand what was happening, he took cover behind a door with others.
"I believe, the assailants conducted a recce before Gogi came into the court. I had spotted one of the assailants in the court complex. The person was well-built. But I did not pay attention, thinking he would be a lawyer," Tomar said.
Eyewitnesses claimed that around 15 to 17 people were present in the courtroom when the firing started. Lawyer Manoj Nigam claimed that a woman advocate was injured in the shooting.
"I was in another courtroom when the incident happened. Everyone got scared. The attackers came dressed like lawyers. I want that even lawyers should be checked by police so that no other person enters the court's premises," he said.
Some of the eyewitnesses, who ran for cover as shots were fired, assumed it was a terror attack.
"I felt it was a terrorist attack. So many shots were fired and we were scared and feared for our lives, said advocate A.P. Singh.
Jitender Maan alias Gogi, who carried a reward of Rs 6.5 lakh, was arrested along with his three of his accomplices from Gurgaon in March, according to police.
A few months ago, Gogi's associate Fajja escaped from police custody when he was produced at the Karkardooma court.
Since then, the counterintelligence team of the Special Cell was accompanying Gogi and his associates to court-related hearings, said a senior police officer.
With inputs from PTI
