Of 30 Panchkula snatching cases,only 1 fully solved

Women are the soft targets for snatchers while helmets and fast bikes like Pulsars are the best defence for them. “In some cases,women could even not note down the registration number of bikes,” said a senior Panchkula police official. “

In Panchkula,youth from UP are more active. The standard practice is to dispose off gold chains and ear rings in their villages with local jewellers. Such jewellers immediately melt the ornaments into gold squares,” explained Superintendent of Police (SP) Maneesh Chaudhry.

In 2010,there were 35 incidents of snatching worth Rs 8,70,050. Out of them,19 cases have been declared “Untraced”,one is “Under Investigation” and the remaining are in court. Goods worth only Rs 5,80,050 have been recovered.

In 2009,the number of snatching incidents in the district was 51 whereas in 2008 the figure was 32. In 2007,the number of snatchings was 54.

Snatching incidents are registered under Sections 356 (assault or criminal force in attempt to commit theft of property carried by a person) and 379 ( punishment for theft) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). In Haryana,crime under Section 356 is bailable and attracts imprisonment of only up to two years or a fine or both. However,crimes under Section 379 are non-bailable and attract punishment of up to three years or a fine or both.

In neighbouring Punjab,after the IPC amendment,imprisonment for snatching is not less than five years and may extend to 10 years with a fine of Rs 10,000. The amendment also made the crime non-bailable. The amendment was carried out as the number of snatching incidents was on the rise in the state.

“Similar amendment should be made in Haryana too. There should be enhanced punishment for the guilty. After amendments in the Juvenile Justice Rules,we cannot arrest a snatcher on the spot if he is below 18 years. This is also emboldening criminals,” SP Chaudhry pointed out. “We are trying our best to curb snatching incidents,” he added.