Gang of chain snatchers busted, five arrested

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, June 26

While the government is making efforts to rid the state of drugs, those already hooked on drugs have formed gangs to arrange money for their daily dose by robbing people. One such gang of drug addicts, which has been busted by the police, was involved in several incidents of snatching and robbery in the city.

Twentyone mobile phones, three gold chains and as many motorcycles have been recovered from the gang, comprising five youngsters.

The ADCP-Investigation, Satnam Singh, said five members of the gang, including Jaswinder Singh, alias Boota of Himajupra here; Parwinder Singh, alias Binda of Dulera village; Jagjivanjot Singh, alias Jiwan, a resident of the Dehlon area; Gagandeep Singh, alias Guggu from the same area; and Lucky Prasad, a resident of Star City Colony, Jodhewal, had been arrested.

Varinder Singh, alias Soni, a resident of Shimlapuri, and Balwinder Singh of Preet Nagar, purchased the stolen mobile phones from the gang. Both of them are also drug addicts. The police said with the arrest of the criminals, four cases of robbery and snatching registered in the Dehlon and Haibowal areas had been solved.

Modus operandi

The members of the gang roamed around on motorcycles in search of targets. After pinpointing them, they threatened commuters and innocent girls outside colleges with a toy pistol and took away their ornaments, mobiles, cash and other valuables. They were active in the Dehlon, Sahnewal, Sadar, Jodhewal and Division Number 7 areas.