Date:05/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/05/stories/2008070561130300.htm

New Delhi

A dangerous new trend Law & order

Increasing use of firearms even in petty crimes is a cause of concern, says Devesh K. Pandey

Chain snatching is usually considered one of the pettiest forms of crime but it has a significant nuisance value as it creates an atmosphere of insecurity and helplessness among the public. However, use of firearms in two recent cases of chain snatching in Delhi has given it an altogether new dimension, indicating a noticeable shift in the Capital’s crime scene.

In both the cases reported from the trans-Yamuna area, the miscreants struck in the morning and opened fire when offered resistance by the victims or those attempting to nab them. In the latest case, a young man was shot dead and another seriously injured while they were trying to nab two snatchers in North-East Delhi.

“It is a very dangerous and disturbing development indicative of an emerging trend,” said a senior police officer.

One of the major reasons for such a development is easy availability of cheap firearms. “Firearms of China and Pakistan-makes can be found in western Uttar Pradesh. Country-made and factory-made firearms, which have a better finish, are readily available in this region. We suspect that over 50 per cent of the firearms smuggled into Delhi are procured from Kairana in Muzaffarnagar. Other source areas include Aligarh, Bulandshahr, Meerut, Azamgarh, Etah and some places in Bihar, particularly Munger,” said the police officer, adding that gun-running is a flourishing business these days.

According to a rough estimate, the cost of a country-made firearm ranges from Rs.500 to 3,000 depending on the quality and durability. Most of these weapons are made in villages by small-time blacksmiths. A factory-manufactured sophisticated firearm costs Rs.5,000 to 20,000, said the police officer, adding that not long ago there were reports of some criminals running a rifle manufacturing unit in the Badayun area.

Many police officers feel that easy access to such weapons coupled with increasing desperation among criminal elements, most of whom happen to be first-timers, is leading to unrestrained use of firearms now even in cases of chain snatching.

Moreover, criminals consider chain snatching a profitable option since it involves considerably less risk as their target is mostly a woman.

“Gold these days fetch a good price even in the grey market,” observed a senior police officer.

To curb such incidents, police officers feel there is a need to launch an operation against gun-running gangs that are active in the neighbouring States. Also, proper coordination is required among the States to carry out joint operations through timely intelligence sharing. Apart from targeting illegal arms manufacturing units, the police need to intensify patrolling in the vulnerable areas. This would only strengthen public confidence in the enforcement agency.