Juvenile crimes up
With the ongoing debate about the age bar for apprehended juveniles following the barbaric gang-rape in Delhi, many facts have come to fore against them, especially if one goes by the statistics.
Crimes by young offenders rose by a staggering 40 per cent between 2001 and 2010, reveals India’s National Crimes Records Bureau (NCRB). Bangalore in 2011 witnessed 49 juvenile crimes, whereas in 2012 the number rose to 84.
The laws pertaining to juveniles have served as a protective wall for the young criminals to commit any kind of crimes. Speaking to City Express, B Dayananda, joint commissioner of crime, east says, “In fact, many gangsters and rowdies in Bangalore have and are planning to involve young children in illegal activities like murder, robbery, abduction since there is no much legal implication for these young ones.”
The NCRB Report 2012 states, crimes involving children have increased from 0.8 per cent in 2001 to 11.8 per cent in 2011 nationwide. In fact, over 33000 juveniles, in the age group of 16 to 18 have been arrested for crimes like rape and murder in 2011 across the country, the highest in last decade.
As far as juvenile crime in Bangalore goes, the primary cases that have come to light are mostly theft, snatching chains, robbery and dacoity. This is followed by murders, rapes and other forms of crimes. Says Dayananda, “we have come across cases where juveniles have been co-participants with rowdy elements as well.” Given the scenario, the demand for a crackdown on juvenile offenders is increasing day-by-day and is purely justified.
The New Indian Express, February 2, 2013