7 years in jail for robbing just Rs. 50

Two men have been sentenced to a jail term of seven years each for robbing a person of Rs. 50 and his mobile phone at knifepoint in Dhaula Kuan two years ago.

Two men have been sentenced to a jail term of seven years each for robbing a person of Rs. 50 and his mobile phone at knifepoint in Dhaula Kuan two years ago.

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Sentencing the duo, Additional Sessions Judge (ASJ) Virender Bhat said a stern message should be sent to curb such crimes. The ASJ imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 each on Mayapuri residents Dharmender and Chandan, convicted of robbery.

The incident dates to August 23, 2010 when they along with their third accomplice Bobby had intercepted Kamal, a courier firm employee, near the Dhaula Kuan flyover and had robbed him of his purse containing Rs. 50 and a mobile phone after allegedly stabbing him.

"One of the ways in curbing such incidents is by sending a strong message to the public by inflicting a severe sentence upon the persons convicted for such offences," said the court, adding "incidents of robbery are on an increase these days."

While Dharmender and Chandan were arrested later, the police could never nab Bobby.

Convicting the duo for committing the robbery, the court, however, acquitted them of the charges of stabbing and trying to kill the victim.

"However, since complainant has not stated with certainty as to which of the accused did stab him at the time of incident, none of the accused can be held guilty under section 397 (robbery or dacoity with attempt to cause death or grievous hurt) of the IPC," the court said.