A brazen attempted chain snatching inside a residential society in Greater Noida West has left residents furious and exposed glaring security lapses. The incident, which targeted a senior citizen, occurred in the upscale La Residentia society and has reignited concerns over safety in residential complexes.
The Terrifying Afternoon Ordeal
The episode unfolded around 5 pm on Thursday in the lobby of Tower B1. An elderly woman was entering an elevator with her grandchild when a man wearing a helmet followed her inside. Seizing the moment, the intruder attempted to snatch her chain. However, the resident showed remarkable courage, resisting the assailant and calling out for help.
Startled by her resistance and the ensuing commotion, the snatcher fled the lift in a hurry. CCTV footage of the incident captures the man rushing out of the elevator and exiting the lobby area. He managed to walk straight past the society's main gate, where, residents allege, no security guard was present to stop or question him.
Narendra, who filed the official complaint, stated that his mother was severely shaken by the traumatic experience. The woman's daughter-in-law later revealed in a social media video that the suspect fled only after the victim screamed, but not before she sustained injuries during the struggle.
Residents Voice Anger Over Repeated Security Failures
The attempted robbery has sparked intense anger among the society's approximately 5,000 residents. Many took to social media platforms to share videos and messages, highlighting what they claim are repeated security breaches within La Residentia.
Residents cited a pattern of negligence. They alleged that similar incidents have happened before, including the theft of a two-wheeler from inside the society's premises. Many complained about frequently seeing unidentified individuals roaming the complex, with no proper checks to confirm if they are residents or authorized visitors.
The primary accusations are directed at the society's management. Residents allege a critical shortage of security guards and serious lapses in monitoring entry and exit points. Some even raised concerns about possible collusion and misbehavior by the existing security staff.
"There are usually guards at the main gate, but they hardly stop anyone for questioning. On Thursday, too, the same thing happened, and the accused managed to simply walk past the gate," said Sumil Jalota, a resident, in a statement to the media. The society's management could not be reached for comment on the allegations.
Police Action and Ongoing Safety Concerns
Following the complaint, the Bisrakh police station registered a First Information Report (FIR) under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on Thursday. The investigation is now underway.
This incident has put a harsh spotlight on the vulnerability of gated communities, where perceived safety is a major selling point. It raises urgent questions about the implementation and monitoring of security protocols, the accountability of residential management committees, and the need for residents to remain vigilant despite paying for professional security services. The event serves as a stark reminder that physical infrastructure like gates and walls is ineffective without diligent and alert human oversight.
