Panchkula, May 22
Panchkula Police have arrested two alleged snatchers involved in multiple chain-snatching incidents across the Pinjore and Kalka areas, officials said on Thursday. The accused, who were recently released on bail, had allegedly returned to criminal activities and were planning further offences in the region.
The breakthrough came after the Crime Branch Sector-19 team arrested Ashok Kumar, a resident of Bhainsa Tibba in MDC Panchkula, and Nitin alias Monu of Tipra village in Kalka from beneath the Sukhomajri-Pinjore bridge on May 20. Police also recovered the Yamaha motorcycle allegedly used in the crimes.
According to police, the case surfaced after a woman from Pinjore lodged a complaint on May 12, stating that she and her husband were on an evening walk when two motorcycle-borne youths snatched her gold chain and fled the spot. Following the complaint, a case was registered at Pinjore Police Station under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and an investigation was launched.
During preliminary questioning, police found that both accused were allegedly involved in several snatching incidents and attempted snatchings in the Kalka and Pinjore areas over the past few months. Investigators revealed that the duo had allegedly committed or attempted at least four snatching incidents during May alone.
Police records show that Nitin alias Monu has multiple criminal cases registered against him, including charges under the Arms Act, vehicle theft, attempted murder, and snatching. Ashok Kumar is also facing robbery charges and was allegedly involved in a highway robbery case.
Officials said both accused had secured bail in April this year and allegedly resumed criminal activities soon after their release from jail.
The accused were produced before a local court and remanded to police custody for four days. During the remand period, police will attempt to recover the snatched gold chain, trace other evidence linked to the crimes, and investigate their possible involvement in additional snatching cases across Panchkula and nearby areas.
