A local court in Chandigarh has sentenced two residents of Daria village to five years of rigorous imprisonment each for a snatching incident that occurred in February 2024. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on each convict, Rahul Saini alias Chaila and Robin Kumar alias Jatt.
Incident Details
The case was registered based on a complaint filed by Ram Avadh, a labourer employed at the Food Corporation of India (FCI) in Rajpura, Punjab. On the night of February 17, 2024, Avadh alighted from an autorickshaw at the Hallo Majra light point and was walking towards his residence in Sunder Nagar, Mauli Jagran. At approximately 9:40 pm, two individuals approached him on foot from the Sukhna Choe side. One snatched his mobile phone, while the other forcibly removed a plastic envelope from his shirt pocket containing Rs 5,000 in cash and his Aadhaar card. The accused then fled towards the Hallo Majra light point.
Investigation and Trial
During the investigation, police arrested both accused and, after completing necessary formalities, filed a chargesheet before the court. After finding a prima facie case, the court framed charges against Rahul Saini and Robin Kumar under Section 379-A read with Section 34 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 411 of the IPC. Both pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
Following the examination of evidence and hearing arguments, the court held both accused guilty under Section 379-A read with Section 34 of the IPC. Rejecting their plea for leniency, the court sentenced each to five years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 25,000.
Court's Observations
Observing that snatching incidents are on the rise and have become a serious public nuisance, the court emphasized the need for deterrence. The judgment underscores the judiciary's stance against such crimes, which have increasingly plagued urban areas.
