Now, cops to retain snatchers’ bikes as case property

Mohit Khanna

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 8

In a novel initiative, the Ludhiana police have decided to include motorcycles belonging to snatchers as a case property. In an initiative called “No bike no snatching”, the officials will now take all measures to prevent snatchers from getting their motorcycles back till the pendency of the case.

Further, the officials will monitor if snatchers, after getting bail, start operating on another motorcycle. Sources said their bike would be seized again.

Officials said Commissioner of Police Paramraj Singh Umranangal conducted a meeting today with all Station House Officers (SHOs), where he reportedly issued strict instructions to impound snatchers’ bikes.

“Earlier, the police used to show only mobile phones, earrings, gold chains, purse documents and cash which the accused had looted from victims. But the bike on which the crime was committed was not involved in the case. After being released on bail, snatchers again indulged in same activities. Without bikes, snatchers can be incapacitated. Further, snatchers should also feel the heat. They should also realise that if they will cause a loss to the valuable of city residents they will not be spared,” said a police official following the meeting.

The police have recently arrested nearly 15 snatchers, who were active in different parts of the city and recovered nearly similar number of motorcycles from them. Interestingly, the family members of these snatchers were seen requesting the police to release the motorcycles.