Chandigarh is facing a troubling surge in snatching incidents, with many repeat offenders continuing to operate on its streets. Manu Kakkar, the district attorney, highlights that financial necessity and drug addictions often drive individuals to commit crimes. An analysis of crime data from January 2015 to October 2024 reveals that 147 repeat offenders have been involved in snatching cases, indicating a concerning trend of persistent criminal behavior despite numerous arrests.
Ineffectiveness of the Justice System
This alarming statistic raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in managing repeat offenders. Many of these criminals are granted bail just two to three months after arrest, and the lengthy nature of legal proceedings often limits their time in custody. Local jails are overcrowded, preventing longer sentences. Consequently, offenders frequently return to crime, motivated by desperation and addiction.
Case Study: Satnam Singh
One recent case that underscores this issue involves Satnam Singh, a 30-year-old from Behlana village. Singh was arrested for a gold chain snatching incident in September. As a repeat offender with over a decade of criminal activity, he was on parole when he targeted a woman walking near Nehru Park in Sector 22.
Criminal Charges and Patterns
The primary charges against repeat offenders typically include snatching, theft, and robbery, often invoking sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), such as:
- Section 356: Assault with intent to commit theft
- Section 379: Theft
- Section 411: Dishonestly receiving stolen property
Another repeat offender, Shane Alam, has multiple FIRs across different police stations, with charges dating back to 2018, indicating that he has been a serial offender for at least five years.
Socioeconomic Factors
Kakkar explains that many crimes stem from financial need or drug dependency. For those living in poverty, petty crimes become a means of survival, while others commit crimes to fund their addiction. “Once released on parole or bail, they often lack resources and resort to theft for quick cash,” he stated.
Legislative Changes: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
The newly introduced Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) recognizes snatching as a distinct offense for the first time in India’s criminal laws. However, police officials argue that the reduced penalties could encourage criminal behavior rather than deter it. Under Section 304 of the BNS, the maximum punishment for snatching is three years, which many believe is insufficient.
In contrast, Haryana has enacted stricter provisions by adding Sections 379A and 379B to the IPC, classifying snatching as a non-bailable offense. Section 379A mandates a minimum sentence of five years, extendable to 10 years, while Section 379B prescribes a minimum of 10 years, extendable to 14 years. The disparity between these harsher provisions and the new BNS framework has raised concerns among law enforcement, who fear that lenient sentencing may lead to an increase in snatching incidents.
Understanding Repeat Offenders
A repeat offender is someone who continues to commit crimes despite previous arrests, convictions, or punishments for similar offenses. These individuals often exploit legal loopholes, such as bail or parole, to resume unlawful activities.
Geographical Patterns of Offenders
Most repeat offenders are from the peripheral areas of Chandigarh and nearby regions, including Burail, Maloya, and Raipur Kalan. Many also have connections to states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Punjab. This geographical spread complicates efforts to address the issue effectively.
