Morning Walk Horror: Kolkata, often celebrated as the cultural capital of India, has recently been facing an increasing number of street crimes that are unsettling its residents. The most recent case involves a morning walker in south Kolkata who was attacked by bike-borne miscreants and robbed of her gold necklace. The incident has not only left the victim traumatized but has also reignited debates around public safety, policing, and the growing threat of snatching cases in the city.
Morning Walk Horror: The Incident
The victim, a woman in her 50s, was out for her routine morning walk in a residential locality when the attackers struck. Two men on a motorcycle approached her from behind, slowed down briefly, and in a swift movement snatched her gold chain worth several lakhs. Despite her attempts to resist, the culprits managed to overpower her and sped away before she could raise an alarm.
Eyewitnesses reported that the incident occurred in a relatively quiet lane with minimal police presence. Shocked residents rushed to her aid, and the matter was reported to the local police station immediately. Authorities have since initiated an investigation, and CCTV footage from the area is being scrutinized.
A Rising Trend: Chain Snatchings in Kolkata
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Chain snatching and street robbery have been increasing steadily across Kolkata in recent years. Police records indicate that a large number of these incidents involve motorcycle-borne criminals who operate in pairs, targeting vulnerable individuals such as elderly citizens, women, and solo morning walkers.
- In 2023, Kolkata Police reported a notable rise in snatching incidents, especially in neighborhoods like Garia, Behala, Jadavpur, and Tollygunge.
- Chain snatching cases usually occur in early mornings or late evenings when streets are relatively deserted.
- Criminals often choose gold jewelry because it can be quickly melted down or sold through illegal channels, making recovery extremely difficult.
Voices from the Neighborhood
Residents of the area have expressed their fear and frustration following the incident.
One local resident said:
“We are scared now. Even a simple morning walk has become unsafe. There should be increased patrolling in the mornings when people step out for exercise.”
Another added:
“These criminals know the police patrol routes. They strike when they are sure there will be no one to intervene. Unless there is stricter action, such crimes will keep increasing.”
Women, in particular, are increasingly apprehensive about wearing jewelry outside, even during routine activities like visiting markets or going for walks.
Police Response
The Kolkata Police have confirmed that they are treating the case with urgency. According to officials, specialized anti-snatching teams have been deployed in several parts of the city. They are relying on CCTV surveillance, informant networks, and increased beat patrolling to track the culprits.
Senior police officers have also urged citizens to:
- Avoid wearing heavy gold jewelry during morning walks.
- Preferably walk in groups instead of alone.
- Carry mobile phones and emergency numbers handy.
- Inform the police immediately in case of suspicious activities.
Why Chain Snatching Is Hard to Control
Several factors make chain snatching a persistent menace:
- Motorcycle Use: Offenders on two-wheelers can strike quickly and escape through narrow lanes, making it difficult for police vehicles to chase them.
- Unorganized Jewelry Markets: Stolen gold is often melted down within hours and sold illegally, leaving almost no evidence.
- Underreporting: Many victims do not lodge complaints, fearing police apathy or lengthy legal processes.
- Urban Layout: Kolkata’s network of bylanes and congested localities gives criminals multiple escape routes.
Comparative Perspective: Street Crimes in Other Cities
Street crimes, especially chain snatchings, are not unique to Kolkata. Cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have also reported similar cases in large numbers.
- Delhi: Snatching is so common that the Delhi Police maintain dedicated “snatching squads” across districts.
- Mumbai: The city witnessed an increase in chain snatching incidents in the suburbs, leading to specialized anti-snatching drives.
- Bengaluru: Areas around IT hubs have been targeted by snatchers, leading to greater police vigilance.
This comparative analysis shows that the issue is part of a broader urban crime pattern in India’s metros.
Societal Impact
The emotional trauma of victims often goes unnoticed. Apart from financial loss, victims experience fear, anxiety, and in some cases, physical injuries from being dragged or assaulted during the snatching.
Sociologists warn that frequent street crimes erode public trust in law enforcement and reduce the sense of community safety. Families are forced to alter their lifestyles—avoiding jewelry, changing daily walking routines, and staying indoors during certain hours.
Preventive Measures
While policing is crucial, experts suggest a multi-pronged strategy to reduce such crimes:
- Increased CCTV Surveillance: Expansion of high-quality CCTV coverage in residential areas.
- Community Policing: Encouraging residents’ associations to work with local police.
- Jewelry Guidelines: Awareness campaigns urging people to avoid wearing jewelry during vulnerable hours.
- Faster Trials: Establishing fast-track courts to deal with snatching cases for deterrence.
- Technology Use: Use of drones and AI-driven analytics for identifying crime-prone zones.
Conclusion
The recent necklace snatching incident in Kolkata underscores the urgent need for stronger preventive policing and community awareness. While Kolkata Police have stepped up efforts, the increasing trend suggests a deeper issue tied to urban crime dynamics, lack of deterrence, and rising unemployment-driven petty crimes.
As Kolkata continues to modernize, ensuring public safety must remain a top priority. Until then, citizens will continue to look over their shoulders, even during something as routine as a morning walk.
External References
- Kolkata Police Official Website
- National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) – Official Website
- West Bengal Police – Official Website
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India
- Safe City Project India
