Harsher penalty for snatching, drug trade in Gujarat

Gandhinagar, August 13

The Gujarat Government has decided to make punishment for snatching and drugs trafficking more stringent to act as a deterrent.

It has decided to promulgate an ordinance inserting additional sub-clauses “a” and “b” in clause 379 of the Indian Penal Code to provide for seven to 10 years of jail and a fine of Rs 25,000 for offences like chain snatching as against the present maximum imprisonment of three years. In the event of causing grievous injury, the accused would be subjected to an additional three years in jail. There has been a spurt in drug menace, particularly around educational institutions. — TNS