Incidents of snatching have risen significantly in the city. In one such case, the Chandigarh District Court delivered a stern verdict, sentencing two youths to five years of imprisonment each.
In its judgment, the court observed that snatching has become a scourge on society. These incidents have instilled fear among pedestrians and two-wheeler riders. There are no grounds for leniency in such cases.
The court ordered the convicts—Rahul Saini (alias Chhaila) and Robin Kumar (alias Jatt), both residents of Daria—to pay a fine of ₹25,000 each in addition to serving their sentences. This action stems from an incident that occurred on February 17, 2024.
Ram Awadh, a laborer at FCI Rajpura, was walking home to Sundar Nagar from the Hallomajra light point around 9:40 PM. On the way, two youths intercepted him and snatched his mobile phone, Aadhaar card, and ₹5,000 in cash.
The accused fled the scene after committing the crime. About a week later, the police apprehended both individuals. The victim’s mobile phone, Aadhaar card, and ₹1,300 were recovered from their possession, and the complainant identified the items on the spot.
Court Rejects Convicts’ Arguments
Counsel for the convicts argued that the arrests were made seven days after the incident, the complaint did not contain a physical description of the accused, and no independent witness was present at the time of recovery.
However, the court dismissed these arguments, stating that providing a detailed physical description of the accused in the initial complaint is not a legal mandate. If the testimony of police officials is credible, the prosecution’s case is not weakened merely by the absence of independent witnesses.
