In a dramatic incident highlighting urban crime, two car-borne snatchers caused significant damage to several vehicles while attempting to evade a police chase in Ludhiana. The event, which unfolded in the Dugri area, led to the arrest of both accused after a determined pursuit by local law enforcement.
The Chase and Collision in Dugri
The episode began when a police team from the Dugri police station spotted a suspicious white Maruti Swift car. The vehicle was reportedly being used by the two suspects to snatch mobile phones from pedestrians. Upon seeing the police, the driver panicked and accelerated in a reckless bid to escape.
In his haphazard flight, the snatcher lost control of the Swift car. The vehicle collided with multiple parked two-wheelers and other cars on the roadside, causing substantial damage to the innocent citizens' property. The impact of the crash was severe enough to disable the snatchers' own car, bringing their frantic escape to a sudden, crashing halt.
Arrests and Recovery of Evidence
The collision allowed the police to close in. One of the occupants of the car, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was apprehended immediately at the scene of the accident. His accomplice, however, managed to flee on foot, taking advantage of the initial chaos following the crash.
Acting on information and through investigative efforts, the police later tracked down and arrested the second accused. He was identified as Jaskaran Singh. Following the arrests, the police recovered the white Maruti Swift car used in the crime. More importantly, they also seized four stolen mobile phones from the possession of the accused, linking them directly to a series of snatching incidents.
Police Action and Case Registration
The Dugri police have registered a formal case against both Gurpreet Singh and Jaskaran Singh. The charges are comprehensive, reflecting the severity and multiple facets of their crime. The First Information Report (FIR) includes sections for snatching, which is the primary offence, alongside charges for damaging public property during their evasion attempt.
Furthermore, the police have invoked sections related to endangering life and personal safety of others. This addresses the immense risk their reckless driving posed to pedestrians and other motorists in the busy Ludhiana locality. An investigation is currently underway to determine if the duo is involved in other similar crimes in the city or surrounding areas.
This incident underscores the challenges police face with mobile and vehicular crime in Punjab's industrial hub. It also serves as a warning to citizens to remain vigilant against snatchers, especially those operating from moving cars. The prompt response and subsequent arrests by the Dugri police have been noted as a successful operation in curbing street crime.
