Snatchers’ gang members sent to police remand in Panchkula

Members of a snatchers’ gang involved in multiple cases was taken on police remand after their role was confirmed in a seventh case. The accused had already been lodged in jailed for six snatching incidents.

On February 17, the police’s Crime Branch 19 arrested three youths from Budhanpur in Sector 16 based on tip-off and after making use of footage recovered from CCTV cameras installed in the area.

The accused were identified as Rahul alias Chechli from Jind, currently living in Chandigarh, Ankit from Sector 14, Panchkula, and Akash from Mouli Jagran, all aged 21-22 years.

Investigations revealed that the accused had allegedly committed 12 snatchings in Panchkula over the course of two-months: January and February. Their involvement is confirmed in at least seven cases.

According to the information, the gang members usually targeted pedestrians, snatching their mobile phones, purses, jewellery and other valuables before fleeing on motorcycles.

On February 11, the gang members ahd allegedly snatched a purse containing a mobile phone and cash from Rita Prabhakar in Sector 7.

They were already lodged in Ambala jail when police sought a two-day remand for further investigation.

The gang committed snatching in Sector 11, Sector 9, Sector 15, Sector 16, Sector 10, Sector 17, and Sector 7, with cases registered at Sector 5, Sector 7, and Sector 14 police stations.

Two Splendor motorcycles used in the crimes have been impounded.

The accused changed or concealed the number plates while committing the crimes and carried out snatching to sustain their drug addiction.