Educated Youth Turns to Crime for Quick Money
In a shocking case that highlights how education doesn't always deter criminal tendencies, Panchkula police have arrested a science graduate for his alleged involvement in more than ten chain snatching incidents across three cities. The accused, identified as Abhishek Ojha, originally from Agra in Uttar Pradesh, was living in Sector 7 of Panchkula while working in the private sector in Mohali.
Criminal Pattern and Investigation Breakthrough
According to police officials, despite his educational qualifications, Ojha deliberately chose crime as what he described as a "quick income route." His modus operandi involved specifically targeting women who were out for morning or evening walks, or those passing through relatively isolated sector roads. Police had been searching for him for an extended period as several chain snatching cases showed striking similarities pointing toward the same suspect.
The breakthrough in the case came when Panchkula police received crucial intelligence that Ojha had moved to Punjab's Moga district and was hiding there to avoid capture. On November 18, the Detective Staff team conducted a raid at the suspected location and successfully apprehended him.
Recoveries and Criminal History
During the arrest, police recovered Rs 1.60 lakh in cash that the accused had obtained after selling stolen gold chains and their fragments from various snatching incidents. The investigation revealed that beyond the Panchkula incidents, Ojha is also suspected to be involved in five snatching cases in Chandigarh, while two snatching cases and one Arms Act case are already registered against him in his hometown of Agra.
Panchkula ACP (Crime) Arvind Kamboj stated that Ojha had developed a pattern of frequently shifting hideouts to avoid detection and capture. Despite his science graduation background, police records indicate that Ojha had been arrested multiple times earlier and was currently out on bail when he committed the recent series of crimes.
Legal Proceedings and Safety Measures
The accused was produced in court on Tuesday and has been sent to judicial custody. Meanwhile, Panchkula police have assured residents that enhanced surveillance and stronger enforcement measures are being implemented to curb snatching incidents and ensure safety, particularly for women across the city.
This case serves as a stark reminder that financial desperation can sometimes lead educated individuals down the wrong path, despite having legitimate employment opportunities available to them.
