- Tuesday, February 25, 2025
By: Shubham Ghosh
AUTHORITIES have put prisons in Delhi, the capital of India, on high alert over apprehension that more gang wars could follow, a day after wanted gangster Jitender Mann, also known as Gogi, was shot dead in a crowded courtroom in the city by alleged members of the rival gang who were dressed as lawyers. They were killed by the security forces in retaliation.
The sensational incident has raised serious questions over the security arrangements, even in courts.
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A senior jail official told Press Trust of India that officials were keeping a close watch on prisons where members of the Gogi and Tillu gangs have been kept.
“In view of gangster Jitender Mann Gogi’s shootout at Rohini Court yesterday, there is a possibility of a ‘gang war’. Therefore, all Delhi jails, including Tihar Jail, Mandoli Jail and Rohini Jail, have been put on alert,” a prison official was quoted as saying by news agency Asian News International.
The 30-year-old Gogi, who was one of Delhi’s most wanted criminals and the lead of an “extremely sophisticated” organised crime syndicate, was gunned down in the court in Rohini in north-west Delhi on Friday (24) by the two shooters. They were suspected to be members of the gang led by Gogi’s friend-turned-foe Sunil Maan, also called Tillu Tajpuriya. The shooters were later identified by police as Rahul Tyagi and Jagdeep.
Chief Justice of India NV Ramana expressed a deep concern over the shootout inside the court. He also spoke to the chief justice of Delhi High Court over the incident and asked him to talk to both the police and Bar to ensure that the functioning of the courts is not disrupted, informed sources said.
The issue of safety and security of court complexes and judicial officials is already something that the apex court has been considering. Petitions have been filed over the matter and sources feel this could now get an urgent focus after Friday’s violence.
Meanwhile, officials of the Bar Council of Delhi (BCD) on Saturday met Delhi Police commissioner Rakesh Asthana to discuss the security in court premises.
BCD chairman Rakesh Sherawat said after meeting the top police officer, “We had a detailed discussion over security lapse; raised issues – metal detectors not working, camera not working, non-vigilant security staff. CP responded positively. We asked him to fix accountability to avoid a repetition of such incidents.
“Delhi commissioner of police has assured that the entire security system will be upgraded within a week. He will be meeting us again.”
Advocate Ajayinder Sangwan, the BCD’s honorary secretary, said the incident has raised serious questions over the security of district courts.
“We want a security system in all district courts, same like that in Supreme Court. CP Delhi has assured us that all the security systems will be upgraded very soon. He has also shown deep concern about yesterday’s incident. Delhi Police is holding several meetings in this regard, with their senior officials,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Several advocates on Friday also urged the Delhi High Court to take suo moto cognisance on the matter.
A petition had also been moved in the Delhi High Court seeking a direction to the concerned authorities to take required measures that ensure the safety and security of Delhi’s district courts.
