Gangster Gogi, 2 rivals killed in Delhi court shootout, security lapse decried

A daylight shootout inside a Delhi court on Friday afternoon (September 24) claimed the life of gangster Jitender Maan, alias Gogi.

Delhi Police said Gogi was shot at by two men dressed as lawyers. The assailants were associates of jailed gangster Sunil, alias Tillu Tajpuriya. Special police cell officials accompanying Gogi opened fire and killed the two attackers. Gogi was taken to hospital in an injured state, but was declared dead on arrival.

One woman lawyer was also injured in the shootout, according to reports.

Lawyers and people, including children, were seen scrambling to safety amid loud sounds of gunshots in the court building.

A video that went viral on social media showed lawyers and security persons taking cover inside a room. Another video showed a person in lawyer’s clothes lying in a pool of blood.

Gogi-Tillu gang rivalry

Gogi and Tillu had been rivals since their college days in Delhi University. They used to clash frequently over student politics. In 2012, Gogi and his men killed Tillu’s close aide Vikas.

Tillu has been in Sonipat jail since 2015 in a different case. Gogi escaped police custody in 2016 when he was taken to a Haryana court for a court hearing. Desperate to kill Tillu, Gogi planned an attack. He managed to kill all the associates of Tillu.

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Gogi was arrested last year again and had since been lodged in Tihar Jail. The Delhi Police had taken Gogi to Rohini court on Friday for a hearing when the shootout happened.

Gogi and his gang were said to be involved in the murder of Haryanvi folk singer-dancer Harshita and Aam Aadmi Party leader Virendra Mann, according to reports.

Security lapses

Lawyers decried the security lapse and called for abstinence from work on September 25 on account of the revision in security of the court.

The Delhi Bar Association has demanded the court master to issue a notice to the Delhi Police Commissioner.

Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana on Friday admitted that there were lapses in security which led to the killing.

“Two men dressed as lawyers opened fire at (gangster) Jitender Gogi inside the court. That’s when police retaliated and killed those two assailants. It’s not a gang war,” Asthana told NDTV over phone.

“Police were present there. They countered it very swiftly. Yes, there was a security lapse. And we will definitely look into it. And will take appropriate action,” he said.

“Right now, let the things be investigated. I assure you, I will not tolerate this lapse. Action will be taken against those responsible for the security of the court.”

“Delhi Police is doing its job seriously and that is why the shooter was successfully neutralised,” he added.