Chandigarh. Punjab is witnessing the highest number of snatching incidents targeting women in the country. According to the ‘Crime in India 2024’ report—released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in May 2026—a total of 1,356 snatching cases were registered in the state during the year 2024. With a crime rate of 4.4 per 100,000 population, Punjab has surpassed all other states.
According to the statistics, Punjab’s snatching rate is significantly higher than the national average. This situation is considered particularly grave because snatching is directly linked to urban security and the effectiveness of police patrolling. Cities such as Mohali (adjacent to Chandigarh), Ludhiana, Amritsar, Jalandhar, and Patiala have consistently reported incidents involving the snatching of mobile phones, purses, and gold chains. Despite the police conducting special drives, Punjab’s continued ranking at the top of this category raises serious questions regarding the state of law and order.
Suspected Indirect Link Between Snatching and Drug Abuse
The report also suggests that there may be an indirect link between snatching and drug abuse. Punjab already occupies a concerning position at the national level regarding drug-related cases. A total of 8,973 cases were registered under the NDPS Act in the state—the fourth-highest figure in the country. Of these, 6,060 cases are related to drug trafficking. Furthermore, Punjab ranked second in the country in terms of deaths caused by drug overdoses. Security agencies believe that many petty property crimes—such as snatching and theft—are perpetrated by gangs linked to drug addiction.
Rising Crimes Against Women Spark Concern
Statistics regarding crimes against women are also a cause for growing concern. According to the report, 558 cases of rape were registered in Punjab during 2024. Additionally, 2,430 cases were reported under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This indicates that significant challenges persist regarding the safety and security of vulnerable sections of society. In Punjab, 1,079 cases of murder were registered. This figure indicates that even serious crimes have not yet been brought under control. The recording of 33 deaths resulting from the consumption of illicit liquor has emerged as a separate cause for concern.
The Rise in Snatching: A Warning
Experts assert that Punjab ranking first in the country for incidents of snatching is not merely a statistic; rather, it serves as a warning at both the societal and policing levels. According to the NCRB report, while the absolute number of such incidents may be higher in several other large states, Punjab’s situation is considered particularly grave due to its high crime rate relative to its population. This is precisely why, in this year’s report, snatching has emerged as the most prominent warning signal for the state of Punjab.
