Hiding Behind Masks, Goons On A Rampage

Cases caught on CCTVs but face covers save many accused Police draw new strategies as crime spikes in Unlocked Delhi

- Chayyanika Nigam

Many were jolted on Thursday when a video went viral. It showed two bikers attacking a woman and snatching her gold chain in broad daylight in South Delhi’s posh Greater Kailash neighbourhood.

They’re still on the run, managing to hide their identities behind the face covers they were wearing.

On Tuesday, a mother fought off two masked kidnappers and somehow snatched her 4-year-old from their clutches in East Delhi’s Shakarpur. This incident was also captured on CCTV cameras.

These criminals were, however, unlucky as the motorcycle they abandoned while fleeing later helped the police reach them.

The unlocking of the National Capital, after many coronavirus-induced curbs were lifted, has led to busier streets — allowing gangs to strike terror among people once again.

Many incidents, including those of kidnapping and snatching, have been caught on security cameras but the police are struggling to identify criminals as they wear coronavirus face covers.

“When criminals were caught on camera earlier, they were identified and sent behind bars. Now, when everyone is wearing facemasks, people are unable to recognise them. Even after some of them are arrested, it’s not easy to nail them,” said a senior official.

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