By Jahangir Alam

DHAKA, Sept 2026 (BSS) - Apart from the Penal Code, the Law and Order-Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002 works as a strong tool in preventingsnatching incidents.

Law enforcement agencies are actively working to curb snatching incidentsacross the country, including in Dhaka city. State counsels are vigorously opposing bail petitions in cases filed regarding such incidents.

Talking to BSS, Omar Faruq Faruqi, public prosecutor (PP) of the Dhaka Metropolitan Sessions Judge Court, said the government has taken strict measures to prevent snatching and the judiciary maintains a firm stance on the issue.

"We, representing the state, are strongly opposing bail for the accused. Law enforcement agencies are arresting the perpetrators," he said.

He said law enforcement agencies should rely on permanent residents as witnesses rather than floating individuals which helps the state prove the cases.

Faruq said floating witnesses often become untraceable later. Bail is being denied to those facing multiple cases, he added.

The PP further said both the judiciary and the state counsels are committed to keeping snatchers in custody, noting that the government has directed them to pay special attention to cases related to snatching and robbery.

Advocate Syed Zainul Abedin Mezbah told BSS that snatching creates an atmosphere of extreme insecurity in public life.

He said bringing snatching cases under the speedy trial process would play an effective role in controlling the crimes.

The lawyer emphasised the importance of recording witness statements under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) in these cases.

Strict directives from the High Court regarding bail could yield positive results, he said.

He further remarked that all concerned should remain alert so that none faces harassment and actual perpetrators could be brought to justice.

Zainul Abedin said if government witnesses are provided with travel allowances through the court immediately, they will attend proceedings regularly, as they currently have to bear their own expenses and face delays in receiving their TA/DA (travel and daily allowances).

He also stressed the need for vigilance on the part of public prosecutors and those handling the cases.

Md. Akter Hossain, deputy commissioner (Media and Public Relations) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), told BSS that most muggers are habitual offenders facing multiple charges, and they often commit the same crimes again after being released on bail.

"We are now processing snatching cases under the Speedy Trial Act alongside standard legal procedures. This makes obtaining bail difficult and ensures swifter sentencing," he said.

He urged city residents to call 999 immediately and file a case at the police station if they fall victim to mugging.

Supreme Court lawyer Khalid Hossain said although the Penal Code prescribes severe penalties, criminals often lack fear due to dely in judicial proceedings.

The Speedy Trial Act is highly effective in curbing mugging cases because it has provision to complete the trial within 30 to 60 days, he said.

Legal experts and law enforcement officials have emphasised the importance of ensuring swift punishment for muggers under both the Penal Code and the Speedy Trial Act.

The Speedy Trial Act stipulates that the cases must be resolved within 30 to 60 working days. Since the Act includes non-bailable provisions, offenders cannot easily secure bail. Lawyers believe that ensuring speedy verdicts in snatching cases will yield positive results in controlling this crime.

Punishment for snatching under Penal Code

The act of 'mugging' is defined as 'robbery' under the Penal Code, 1860. Section 390 (Robbery) of the act states that if an offender voluntarily causes hurt, attempts to cause hurt, wrongfully restrains, or attempts to wrongfully restrain someone while committing or attempting to commit theft, the act is classified as robbery.

Section 392 (Punishment for robbery) provides for rigorous imprisonment of up to 14 years and a fine for robbery.

Section 394 (Voluntarily causing hurt while committing robbery) states if an offender causes hurt to someone while committing robbery, the law prescribes rigorous imprisonment of up to 20 years and, in certain cases, life imprisonment. Incidents of stabbing during mugging fall under these sections.

Sections 397 and 398 states that if an offender attempts to cause death or grievous injury while committing robbery or dacoity and is armed with a deadly weapon, the law allows a minimum prison sentence of seven years.

The Law and Order Disruption (Speedy Trial) Act, 2002 is considered the most effective law for prevention of mugging.

Section 4 of the law states any person who commits mugging is liable to rigorous imprisonment for a minimum of two years to a maximum of seven years, in addition to a fine.