Shootout in Delhi courtroom

Three gangsters were killed in a shootout inside a courtroom in Delhi that has left several people injured and raised serious questions about security in what should be a heavily protected and sanitised zone. In videos, gunshots are heard in court and policemen and lawyers are seen in a scramble in the building at Rohini in north Delhi.

Gunmen dressed as lawyers barged into a court hearing and shot gangster Jitender Gogi thrice. Special force personnel escorting the gangster then fired back, killing both the attackers on the spot.

Jitender Gogi, a notorious gangster involved in several criminal cases and jailed at Tihar since last year, was declared dead in hospital. A rival gang, going by the name “Tillu Gang”, had plotted to kill him when he was brought for his court hearing today, said the police.

“Two from rival gang opened fire at Jitender Gogi inside the court. That when police retaliated and killed those two assailants,” Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana told NDTV.

“The police acted swiftly and killed both the assailants. Total three dead, including Gogi,” said Asthana.

The incident marks a huge security lapse on court premises.

A lawyer, Lalit Kumar, said: “The judge was in court, lawyers were present and Jitender Gogi was there.

 These two lawyers (who turned out to be shooters dressed as lawyers) walked in and started shooting. An inter was also shot.”

The two gangs had reportedly been at war for years and more than 25 people have died in their clashes.

Gogi, born Jitender Mann, was arrested in March last year and was considered a big catch for the Delhi police.