MCOCA to beat chain-snatching

In a first-of-its kind move in the state, police in Nagpur have decided to invoke the MCOCA (Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act) against chain-snatchers.

In fact, they have already invoked MCOCA against a gang of five chain-snatchers and the buyer of stolen jewellery who were already arrested and booked under relevant sections of the IPC.

Police say they have studied the legalities before invoking MCOCA against chain-snatchers.

"I have studied the legal applicability of MCOCA as regards chain-snatching, which has become rampant. I am sure it is applicable to select cases, like a gang being involved," Nagpur Commissioner of Police Ankush Dhanvijay told The Indian Express.

Over the past two years there has been a high incidence of chain-snatching in Nagpur. "This has been one of our most worrisome problems," Dhanvijay said. "In fact, we have already applied it in one case," said the CP.

Sachin Peshwe, Chetan Thakre, Lokesh Bhonde, Swarup Lokhande and Arsh Ali Sayyad Asif Ali and Bharat Galbale who bought the stolen jewellery were the ones booked under MCOCA. "They are all currently in jail," said Assistant Commissioner of Police A P Sakharkar.

"We will re-arrest them now under MCOCA. With MCOCA, we shall be able to secure their 30-day police custody," Sakharkar said.

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