No stopping snatchings, 16 in 30 days

Amit Sharma

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 30

Curbing snatchings in the city is once again turning out to be an uphill task for the UT police. A fresh snatching incident was reported from Sector 42 today, taking the total number of snatching incidents reported this month to 16.

In the incident reported today, motorcycle-borne miscreants snatched a gold chain from a woman, identified as Kanta Bharti, a resident of Sector 42. The victim was targeted near her home. Sources said the accused were not wearing helmets. An investigation has been initiated at the Sector 36 police station. 

Yesterday, a woman was targeted outside her house by unknown motorcyclists in Sector 49. The victim was standing outside her house when one of the snatchers approached her on the pretext of asking about PG accommodation. The rising number of snatching incidents have instilled fear among residents, who feel unsafe while stepping out their houses alone. 

The police have failed to nab the accused despite claims of having stepped up patrolling during evening hours.

Of the total 16 snatchings witnessed in the city this month, a majority have been reported from southern sectors. “Since southern sectors have proximity to Mohali, the snatchers get an escape route because of which more incidents are reported from these sectors,” said a police official.

In 2015, 160 snatching incidents were reported of which 79 took place in southern sectors. Similarly, in 2016, 162 snatching incidents were reported, including 98 from southern sectors.