Delhiites struggle with biker gangs

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Biker-borne snatchers are creating havoc on city’s roads. From secured areas to the busy roadside, groups of biker gangs are all around the city, creating menace. From shooting a security guard at an ATM and running away with cash to snatching away commuters’ bags and other valuables, the recent cases which have come to light have been life threatening.
Twenty-two-year-old Preetie Rajput, a housewife who was recently targeted by a biker gang, showed great presence of mind and fearlessly fought back, helping cops nab those snatchers.
While these bike snatchers are fast, mostly wear black helmets and leave the area in a few seconds, some from the city share instances where they’ve courageously combatted those criminals.
Rachna Solanki, a dental student says, “I was on my way to the hostel on a rickshaw when this biker-gang approached me. One of them held my hand and tried to snatch my bag. Luckily, I got hold of one of bikers’ shirt and slapped him hard. When people saw me fighting, they came to my rescue and thrashed them. I immediately called the police and handed them over. Although the incident scared me, such action was required and I am glad I fought back.”
In a similar incident, Reema Grover, a housewife, dared to fight the goons when two bike-borne criminals snatched her mangalsutra in broad daylight in Pitampura. “I was walking towards my house from the Kohat Metro station when a motorcycle cruised by. The man riding pillion snatched my mangalsutra. I shouted and asked a man on a bike to follow them. He could manage to get hold of one of the bikers. As the police station was near by, a complaint against him was filed immediately,” she says.
Speaking about the unidentified snatchers, Delhi police says these bikers are below the age of 25 and their main targets are women. The police also suggests that these bike-snatching cases are a reflection of youth willing to go to any extent for a lavish lifestyle.
Teena Jha, a student, says, “Youngsters who have grown accustomed to expensive lifestyle and can’t afford to have the same luxury amid soaring prices, resort to such easy ways to fill their pockets. Thankfully, it has never happened with me, but I’ve heard many cases in the nearby areas. So, I’m always cautious while walking on the road. I have the emergency number 100 on my quick dial settings and always keep pepper spray with me for my protection.”
According to the Delhi Police crime statistics, till August this year, snatching cases came down to 197 from 240 during same period last year.
Sudhir Yadav, joint commissioner of police (Northern Range), says, “Though street crime has come down as compared to last year, such cases are more prone in the northwest area of Delhi.”
Delhi Police has in place certain initiatives to handle the culprits. Rajan Bhagat, PRO, Delhi Police, reveals, “The police presence has been increased in the capital. More staff has been deployed at bus stations and vulnerable areas. Ticket checking is on, where documents and bags of youngsters on the bikes are being checked thoroughly. These are short-term and quick emergency measures that we’re looking forward to. Strict action will be taken against the police personnel if any snatcher flees from their custody. We are also planning to install security cameras on major red lights and vulnerable areas.”