Woman nabs bag snatcher

After she grabs thief, his accomplice joins in the fight

Showing exemplary courage, a 23-year-old woman caught a youth who had snatched her purse and mobile phone at south-east Delhi’s Sangam Vihar on Friday.

Pooja, a resident of Sangam Vihar, was with her cousin brother Hemendra when the incident took place at 9.15 pm. Police said she was targeted when they were buying vegetables in the market.

“Pooja was standing away from Hemendra when a youth came running from behind and snatched her purse and mobile phone from her jacket’s pocket. But she managed to grab his hand and raised an alarm, due to which Hemendra came forward to help her,” a police officer said.

Pooja showed courage by fighting with the snatcher and held on despite being bitten by the man. Immediately, the snatcher’s accomplice came to the spot. The four of them were involved in a scuffle, but Pooja and Hemendra did not let the snatcher to flee.

Soon, they were helped by locals, who overpowered the thief and handed him to police. He was identified as Deepak Kumar. Pooja’s purse and mobile phone were recovered from him.

A case of robbery under section 392 of the Indian Penal Code has been filed with Sangam Vihar police station. Pooja and Hemendra were taken to AIIMS, were they underwent treatment for minor injuries.

Pooja works with a call centre in Gurgaon. Police said the accused, Deepak, has a criminal history and was earlier arrested for involvement in similar cases.

“We have identified his accomplice, but he is absconding. A raid was conducted at his house, which was found locked,” the officer added. Senior police officers of the district have been informed about the incident. Police said she has been recommended for reward for showing courage and bravery.