Mastermind of Karkardooma court shootout nabbed by Delhi Police

The Delhi Police have arrested the mastermind behind the Karkardooma court firing, where a Delhi Police constable was shot dead after four armed juveniles opened fire inside the court complex in December last year. According to the police, the accused, identified as Mohd Jamal, alias Ranjha (28), was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh for his arrest.

Senior police officers said that Ranjha was arrested on Monday after they received a tip off, which stated that he will be coming to Seelampur, his residence. “Based on this information, a trap was laid and he was apprehended near Brahampuri” said Ajit Kumar Singla, DCP (North-East).

Ranjha is wanted in over six criminal cases across different police stations. He had been involved in over 10 cases of Arms Act violations, robbery and an attempt to murder. “He had been on the run since 2013 and was wanted for his involvement in the Karkardooma court shootout case,” said the official.

On December 23, around 11:40 am, four juveniles tried to shoot Irfan, alias Chenu Pehelwan, who was produced for a hearing in court number 73. They fired at least 10 rounds and tried to flee, but were apprehended. The constable, Ram Kanwar Meena succumbed to his injuries while Chenu was hospitalised.

A senior police official of the East district said: “Ranjha arranged the money and weapons for the culprits. He paid Rs 25 lakh to both the juveniles and gave the remaining money to Shahrukh’s brother. The conduit, Asim, who trained them in Jaipur took them in a Honda City to Jaipur and dropped them at the main gate of the Karkardooma Court. Meanwhile, Mohd Ajim assessed the Karkardooma court a week before the incident. He also trained the juveniles to use the weapons,” the official said.