Biker Gangs Runamokin Delhi, Cops Facingheat

HC seeks detailed action plan from police as phone & jewellery snatchers in city are not hesitating in assaulting or shooting targets

- Chayyanika Nigam

THEY wear masks, brandish illegal guns and zip around on stolen motorcycles, looking to snatch jewellery, cellphones and handbags from unsuspecting targets. In the face of even the slightest of resistance, they shoot – whether it’s a busy street or a dark and deserted alley.

‘Biker gangs’, as they are often called, have terrorised people like never before and are giving sleepless nights to the Delhi Police. This year, more than 4,000 cases have been reported and 3,000 ‘snatchers’ arrested. In 2018, 6,932 snatchings were recorded and 5,571 accused arrested. The police are able to crack only half the cases, data suggests. The situation is so alarming that the Special Cell, Delhi Police’s anti-terror wing, has had to launch a crackdown. “After instructions, we have deployed some of our teams to target snatchers. A list is being prepared and teams are working round the clock and meeting local informers for leads,” said PS Kushwah, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Special Cell).

Each anti-snatching squad has one assistant ACP and three inspectors, and patrols places frequented by walkers and runners. The South Delhi police have in particular started special patrolling from 5.30 am.This is because about 40% of these attacks have happened to people who stepped out for morning walks and jogging and meditation sessions in posh South and Central Delhi hotspots such as Lodhi Gardens (situated between Khan Market and Safdarjung's Tomb), Sunder Nursery (surrounding Humayun's Tomb) and Nehru Park (in Chanakyapuri Diplomatic Enclave).