Increased Incidents of Chain Snatching Leave Women in Varanasi Society Feeling Vulnerable

In a shocking snatch-and-run incident, an elderly woman in Varanasi Society, Waraje, became the unfortunate target of a two-wheeler thief who forcibly snatched her gold mangalsutra. The mangalsutra, valued at ₹30,000, was stolen from her neck on December 9, around 6:00 pm.

The victim, identified as 66-year-old Dipali Deshmukh, was taking her usual evening stroll at approximately 5:30 pm when the incident took place. Seizing the opportune moment, the thief, riding a two-wheeler, swiftly approached Dipali and yanked the precious mangalsutra from her neck. Before Dipali could react or raise an alarm, the thief sped away, leaving her in shock.

Dipali Deshmukh wasted no time and immediately filed a detailed complaint at the Warje police station. The Warje Malwadi Police have initiated a thorough investigation into this case to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Heightened Anxiety Among Pedestrians, Especially Women

This incident comes just a month after a series of chain-snatching incidents that have heightened anxiety among pedestrians, especially women, across the city. These brazen thieves often target crowded areas, instilling fear among women waiting at bus stops or walking on the streets.

Another incident occurred on October 1, when a woman lost her ₹70,000 mangalsutra on a PMPML bus from KK Market to Lakshmi Narayan Theatre around noon. In a similar incident on October 2 at 5:30 am in Aundh, a bike-riding thief targeted an elderly woman on her way to a yoga class, snatching her ₹90,000 mangalsutra. Despite her pleas for help, the thieves managed to escape swiftly.

These frequent incidents have left women in the city feeling vulnerable and concerned for their safety during their daily routines. The desperate need for increased security measures to combat chain-snatching and protect women has become evident.