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Maharashtra government brings new stringent law to book chain snatchers

Chain snatchers will be dealt with strictly from now on. In a bid to send a strong message to petty criminals and address the public's fear, the state government has amended IPC section 392 and decided to book chain snatchers under the new law 392A, which will give more power to the police to curb the crime.

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Chain snatchers will be dealt with strictly from now on. In a bid to send a strong message to petty criminals and address the public's fear, the state government has amended IPC section 392 and decided to book chain snatchers under the new law 392A, which will give more power to the police to curb the crime.

"Chain-snatching cases are increasing and there's fear among people. Low conviction rate and simple punishment of a few months is proving too easy for such criminals. Therefore, the state government has decided to amend the section," said chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, while replying to MLCs.

Fadnavis admitted that though the crime rate has gone down in recent months, unless the conviction rate is increased, it won't help rid citizens of their fear. "Only detection of cases will not help. We have to ensure that the rate of conviction is at least 50%. The new policy adopted by the police department to increase conviction rate with different measures — collecting clinching evidence, preparing watertight cases and filing charge sheets on time — will help officers indict criminals," he added.

Fadnavis also said the state has given freedom to the DGP, IG and CP to appoint professional lawyers and counsels for complicated cases. "We have changed the rules of hiring lawyers and counsels in special cases with the help of committee of law secretary and advocate general. To maintain transparency, guidelines prepared by the committee will be followed. Facilities will be given to witnesses to make them comfortable in courts," the chief minister said.

"Earlier, a case's investigating officer used to explain the technicalities to witnesses. But this was stopped. The home department has directed that the practice be restarted so that the defence lawyer doesn't intimidate the witness and change the course of case. Also, panchnama will be done in presence of a government officer and not any passer-by, who may turn hostile and run away later, weakening the case."

Crime against women: Dark spots in public places to be identified

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said the home department has decided to keep strict vigil on all public places, especially those where crimes against women happen often. "These dark spots will be identified and vigilance will be increased. The police will be sensitised about the Vishaka Committee guidelines and POSCO Act so that they can apply the provisions while booking accused in crimes against women," he said, adding that state has decided to appoint dedicated policewomen at every police station rather than setting up just one 'all women police station' at the district level.

The CM also said the ambit of rape and molestation has been broadened by the home department to nip such crimes in the bud.

While referring to a statement made by the late RR Patil, ex-home minister, Fadnavis said culprits in 90% rape cases were known to the victims. "Also, the state government feels that the rate of conviction should be more so that criminals don't think the police will take years to prove the case and meanwhile the victim can be manipulated or exploited further. Officers who succeed in proving the case and present all proofs before court for a speedy conviction will be encouraged," he added.

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