A recent study by Delhi Police has highlighted a concerning surge in juvenile participation in serious criminal activities. Between January 2022 and May 2024, 259 minors were implicated in crimes such as murder, rape, robbery, and extortion. The findings underscore a troubling trend where minors, many from impoverished backgrounds, are increasingly involved in violent and organized crimes.
Experts suggest that the influence of real and reel-life gangsters, the desire to earn quick money, and the allure of gaining notoriety have driven many young individuals to commit heinous crimes. Senior officers noted that juvenile delinquents are no longer confined to petty offenses but are actively engaging in premeditated acts, including shootings.
A disturbing case was reported in May when five minors participated in the brutal stabbing of a 35-year-old man over a personal dispute. In another instance, two 16-year-old boys, already involved in a failed robbery attempt, were caught with arms months after being released from a correctional home.
Police also pointed out that gang wars are a significant factor, with several notorious gangs now being run by minors, some of whom are responsible for high-profile incidents like the July shooting at GTB Hospital. These gangs are recruiting juveniles to perform violent acts, offering fame and status rather than financial rewards.
Child counselors and police have linked this rise in juvenile crime to broken family structures, lack of education, and peer pressure. While correctional homes attempt to rehabilitate these minors, the root causes of their criminal behavior, such as societal neglect and family instability, persist, posing a significant challenge to law enforcement and social workers.
