An undertrial was shot dead inside the Rohini Court complex on Monday. The deceased was identified as Vinod (38) alias Bala. The incident happened near the canteen area of the court, triggering chaos on the court premises.
The victim was produced by the staff of the Third Battalion in Rohini Court, said Rishi Pal, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Rohini). While he was being taken back, he was shot at by an assailant at 11.20 am. The accused, Abdul Khan (24), was arrested from the spot and the weapon of offence seized, he said.
It is suspected that the accused posed as a litigant.
A case under section 302 (punishment for murder) has been registered against Abdul Khan at the Prashant Vihar police station.
“After attending trial in court number 113 when Vinod was coming back with the police force, Abdul Khan shot him on his head. Khan surrendered in front of the police and the weapon was seized,” the DCP said.
Vinod was allegedly involved in a case of cheating (forged signature) which he had committed in 2010 and the case was registered at the South Rohini police station.
“He was in judicial custody from last 14 days and during the investigation, it was revealed that he had no other criminal involvements. Abdul Khan also had no previous criminal record,” said the officer.
Vinod was taken to Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hospital where he was declared brought dead, said the officer.
A 27-year-old Rakesh Mehra, an advocate, told The Statesman, “After shooting, the accused surrendered before police. The incident created chaos in the court and everyone started running here and there.”
During investigation, it was revealed that Vinod was the resident of Mangolpuri area, whereas Abdul Khan was residing in Nangloi. Khan is married and has a kid, said police.
Meanwhile, the in-charge of the Rohini police post, sub-inspector Narender, has been placed under suspension and Ashok Kumar, Station House Officer (SHO), Prashant Vihar police station, has been sent to district lines.