Panchkula, June 28 -- The court of additional sessions judge, Panchkula, dismissed the anticipatory bail applications of five women from Punjab accused of stealing a three-tola gold bangle from a devotee during a bhandara at the Mansa Devi temple.

The accused include 81-year-old Lachhmi Kaur of Sangrur, 66-year-old Kelo Kaur of Barnala, 64-year-old Mukhtiar Kaur, 59-year-old Karamjeet Kaur alias Guddi, and 37-year-old Labhpreet Kaur alias Reena, all from Sangrur district.

In an observation, the court said that "Granting anticipatory bail to such persons would not be in the interest of justice as it will be like promoting criminal tendencies in society and giving a fillip to unlawful activities."

Rejecting the bail plea, the court also ...