Two get 10-yr jail for snatching
The Court of Sessions Judge Harpreet Kaur Randhawa sentenced Ravi Gupta (26), a resident of Heera Nagar, Ludhiana, and Lakhan (36), a resident of Mani Majra, Chandigarh, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each in a snatching case.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of the convicts.
According to the prosecution, on November 11, 2022, the complainant, Parmila, was waiting for an auto-rickshaw at Cheema Chowk, here, around 6 pm when three men approached her on a motorcycle. One of them, identified as Ravi Gupta, threatened her with a datt (sharp weapon) and forcibly snatched her mobile phone. The trio also dragged and intimidated her before fleeing the scene.
However, local residents chased the suspects and managed to stop their motorcycle They apprehended Ravi Gupta and Lakhan. The third accomplice fled the scene.
The duo were handed over to the police by the public. A case was registered at the Moti Nagar police station, here.
During the trial, the prosecution examined four witnesses, including the complainant, who provided critical testimony. She identified both suspects in court and confirmed that Ravi Gupta had threatened her and snatched her mobile phone while Lakhan was an accomplice in the crime.
The court rejected the defence lawyer’s contention regarding improper identification of the accused, citing the complainant’s consistent and clear identification during both incidents and the trial.
In delivering the sentence, the Sessions Judge observed the gravity of the offence, noting the trauma caused to the victim and the boldness of the crime committed in broad daylight.
The case serves as a strong deterrent against criminal activities and highlights the critical role of public vigilance in aiding law enforcement.
