Photo used for indicative purpose only
Shimla, Jan 19,
A snatching incident reported on the crowded Mall Road here has triggered concern on social media, with users flagging the crime as unusual for the otherwise peaceful, tourist-oriented hill town. The incident, which allegedly involved the theft of a mobile phone and cash in broad daylight, was highlighted through a widely circulated social media post, prompting questions over public safety in Shimla’s busiest commercial stretch.
According to Sanjeev Gandhi, Senior Superintendent of Police, Shimla, the police acted swiftly and arrested the accused within an hour of the crime. Speaking to a news agency, the SSP said the suspects could not evade arrest as their movements were captured by the extensive CCTV surveillance network installed across the town, particularly along Mall Road and adjoining market areas.
“The accused were traced and taken into custody within a short span of time. CCTV footage played a crucial role in identifying and tracking them,” the SSP said, while adding that incidents such as chain snatching or street crime are not common in Shimla.
The social media post, which gained traction on platforms like Facebook and messaging groups, warned residents and tourists to remain cautious, stating that “even the main market is witnessing snatching incidents.” The post described the incident as worrying and urged people to be vigilant while carrying mobile phones and valuables in crowded areas.
Mall Road, the heart of Shimla, remains heavily crowded during the tourist season, with thousands of visitors frequenting the area daily. While police maintain that overall crime levels remain low, they acknowledge that isolated incidents tend to rise during peak tourist inflow.
Police have advised the public not to use mobile phones carelessly in crowded places and to immediately inform the control room in case of any such incident so that CCTV footage can be accessed without delay.
The incident, though promptly resolved, has ignited a discussion about the need for continued vigilance and robust policing in popular public spaces such as Mall Road.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
