The Delhi Police Special Cell has arrested a scientist working with the Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO) for his alleged involvement in orchestrating a low-intensity blast in Rohini court earlier this month on December 9. He had allegedly planted an improvised explosive device in a tiffin box with an intention to kill his neighbour who was appearing in the district court, the police said.
A serving scientist at the DRDO, he was tasked with conducting research for the military. PTI identified him as Bharat Bhushan Kataria.
The blast is ascribed to a running feud between the accused scientist and a lawyer, who were embroiled in several legal cases. “Both the parties had lodged several cases against each other. They are neighbours and live in the same building. Prima facie, it seems Kataria had a grudge against the lawyer," said a senior police officer.
According to Delhi Police Commissioner Rakesh Asthana, Kataria entered the court premises at 9.33 am on the day of the incident with two bags and left one of those behind in courtroom number 102. Having done the deed, the accused left the court premises at 10.35 am.
Forensic experts said the bomb was a mix of ammonium nitrate-based explosives. It also had a significant amount of shrapnel, police sources confirmed. Teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory and the National Security Guard had visited the site of the explosion and it was found that the materials used in making the IED were easily available in the market.The IED was not properly assembled due to which only the detonator exploded, the police said.The details of around 1,000 cars which had entered the court premises on the day of the incident were checked and the CCTV footage obtained from the court was analysed by the investigating officers.
This explosion took place a few months after a shootout had happened inside the Rohini court, in September this year, leaving three people, including a gangster dead.
