Ludhiana Court Hands Down 10-Year Sentences to Two Convicted Snatchers
A local court in Ludhiana has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing two individuals to ten years of rigorous imprisonment each for a violent robbery at a finance company on Dugri Road. The court of Additional Sessions Judge and Fast Track Court Sandeep Singh Bajwa also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each convict. Failure to pay this fine will result in an additional year of rigorous imprisonment for each offender.
Details of the 2018 Robbery Incident
The case dates back to November 20, 2018, when the Model Town police station registered a complaint against the accused. The individuals involved were Manjit Singh from Lasoi Sadar, Ahmadgarh in Sangrur, and Gurpreet Singh from village Gill. They were charged under sections 379-B (2) for snatching and 411 of the Indian Penal Code for dishonestly receiving stolen property.
According to the prosecution, the complainant, Parminderjit Singh Sekhon, operates 'Sekhon & Sekhon Finance and Investment' near a marriage palace on Dugri Road. This business handles money transfers. On the day of the incident, around 5:45 PM, three young men entered his shop. One of them, identified as Raman, brandished a sharp-edged weapon (dah) and threatened to kill Sekhon if he raised an alarm.
While Raman held the complainant at weapon-point, the other two—Manjit and Gurpreet, also known as Gopi—proceeded to ransack the counter drawer. They stole approximately Rs 5,000 to 6,000 in cash along with a purse containing an Aadhaar card and other important documents. During a struggle, Raman struck Sekhon on his back and left arm with the weapon before the trio attempted to flee on foot.
Apprehension and Investigation Process
Despite his injuries, the complainant pursued the assailants and, with assistance from passersby, managed to apprehend Manjit Singh, who was subsequently handed over to the police. Gurpreet Singh was arrested on November 25, 2018. The third accused, Ramandeep Singh, joined the investigation on December 10, 2018, which led to the recovery of the weapon used in the crime.
Following a thorough investigation, the police filed a chargesheet against all accused. However, proceedings against Ramandeep Singh were abated by a court order dated August 24, 2021. During the trial, the accused pleaded false implication, but the court found their defense insufficient.
Court's Observations and Final Ruling
The court carefully evaluated the evidence, noting the strong testimony from the complainant and investigating officers. It was established that the currency was snatched under threat of violence. A key factor in the conviction was the complainant's identification of Manjit Singh at the crime scene and Gurpreet Singh in police custody and later in court.
The court observed, "The complainant's identification of Manjit Singh at the scene and Gurpreet Singh in the police lock-up and later in court further supports the prosecution's case. The accused have not produced evidence to challenge this version and have only denied the allegations. Such a bare denial is not enough to create doubt about the prosecution's evidence."
This ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing violent crimes and ensuring justice for victims in Ludhiana. The sentences serve as a deterrent against similar offenses in the region.
