Snatching bid foiled in Mani Majra

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, March 18 

High drama was witnessed after a youth snatched a purse containing Rs 10,000 in cash and other documents from a 62-year-old woman at the Modern Housing Complex (MHC) in Mani Majra here on Sunday. The snatcher was nabbed by the victim’s daughter and residents after a chase. The victim sustained injuries in the incident. 

The victim, Sadhna Mehta (62) of MHC, had gone to an ATM near her house to withdraw money. She was accompanied by her 20-year-old daughter. The mother-daughter duo walked back home after withdrawing Rs 10,000 from the ATM. 

While the victim’s daughter was unlocking the door of their house, a youth came from behind and pulled the woman from her stole, following which she fell down. The accused then snatched her bag and ran away. “I tried to nab him but he escaped. My daughter started chasing him and raised the alarm,” the victim said. 

Residents also ran behind the accused, along with the victim’s daughter, and managed to nab him. 

On getting information, the police reached the spot and arrested the accused, who was identified as Wasim Akram (25), a resident of New Indira Colony in Mani Majra. A case has been registered against him at the Mani Majra police station.

SA Qureshi, general secretary of the MHC Residents’ Welfare Association, said there had been a rise in cases of theft and snatching in the area, which had instilled a sense of fear among residents. “We have come to know that the UT Administration is planning to come up with a vending zone at the MHC. The move will further compromise with the security of residents here,” he added. 

There is no let-up in snatching incidents as 66 cases have already been reported from the city this year. 

The attempt 

While the 62-year-old victim’s daughter was unlocking the door of their house, a youth came from behind and pulled the woman from her stole, following which she fell down. The accused then snatched her bag and ran away only to be nabbed.