Panchkula, November 21: While authorities say overall snatching incidents have dropped by 32% between May and November, residents of Panchkula continue to face violent attacks, with nearly 20 stabbing and robbery cases reported between September and mid-November. Experts and locals, however, warn that low conviction rates are undermining public trust in law enforcement.
Official figures show that from January to October 31, 2025, 65% of all criminal cases, including snatching, ended in acquittal. In snatching cases specifically, several prosecutions failed due to incomplete police investigations. Acquittals cited lapses such as failure to conduct identification parades, missing CCTV evidence, lack of independent witnesses and complainants’ inability to identify accused persons.
Panchkula police commissioner Sibash Kabiraj acknowledged the challenges. “Non-conduct of identification parade has remained a factor in the acquittals. However, it’s not the police alone to be blamed. People often hesitate to come forward as independent witnesses. Directions have been issued to all SHOs to brief their IOs,” he said.
Residents and officials highlighted infrastructure issues, including malfunctioning CCTV cameras and isolated stretches of underdeveloped areas, which make late-night commuting risky. Local efforts such as private mobile patrols with body cameras have been initiated to fill security gaps, but concerns remain about ensuring justice for victims.
