Himachal calling: Surge in juvenile crime a cause for concern in Mandi
Over the past five years, juvenile crime in Mandi district has shown troubling fluctuations, according to recent police data. From 2019 to 2023, as many as 200 cases were reported, reflecting a mix of serious offences and pointing to the urgent need for community-based intervention.
The number of juvenile crime cases has varied significantly during this period. In 2019, 54 cases were reported, which then dropped to 32 in 2020, increased slightly to 38 in 2021, peaked at 44 in 2022, and then fell back to 32 in 2023. This inconsistency suggests a complex mix of social, economic, and psychological factors influencing youth behaviour.
Murder, one of the most serious crimes, has shown a concerning rise. While only one murder was recorded in 2019, this number doubled by 2022. Additionally, there were consistent reports of attempted murder, with one case each in 2019 and 2021. These figures highlight the seriousness of violent crime among juveniles and emphasise the need for early intervention and conflict resolution programmes.
Rape cases have fluctuated over the years, with a particularly high number of seven cases in 2019, which then dropped to two by 2023. While this decrease is a positive sign, it raises questions about whether it reflects actual crime reduction or underreporting due to stigma or lack of awareness about sexual violence laws.
Kidnapping and abduction incidents have also shown a troubling trend, particularly in 2022, when four cases were reported. This represents a stark increase from just one case in 2019 and underscores the need for greater attention to youth safety and protection. Similarly, offences related to outraging modesty, which include sexual harassment, showed sporadic numbers, with three cases in 2019 and a drop to one case in 2023.
While some violent crimes have decreased, such as hurt-related offences, which were reported twice in 2019 but not at all in 2022 and 2023, rioting has seen a notable rise. In 2023, five rioting cases were reported compared to only one in 2019, raising concerns about social unrest and the influence of peer groups on youth behaviour.
Road traffic accidents involving juveniles also remain a pressing issue. There were 10 cases in 2019, but the number decreased to four in 2023. This ongoing concern highlights the need for better education and awareness among young drivers regarding road safety.
Theft and burglary present a mixed picture. While theft cases dropped from seven in 2019 to four in 2023, burglary incidents have remained sporadic, with six incidents in 2019 and two cases in 2020 and 2022. These figures suggest shifting trends in property-related crimes, which may be influenced by socioeconomic factors affecting juveniles.
Other Indian Penal Code (IPC) crimes have generally increased, peaking at 16 cases in 2022 before falling to nine in 2023. Violations of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, indicating substance abuse among youth, have also been on the rise, particularly in 2022, reflecting growing concerns over drug use.
Crimes under the SC/ST Act, Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act, and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act show relatively low numbers, suggesting either limited incidents or a lack of public awareness and enforcement of these laws.
Experts emphasise the need for a multifaceted approach to addressing juvenile crime. Key strategies include preventive measures through education, community involvement, and targeted interventions for at-risk youth. Engaging young people in constructive activities and fostering supportive environments are crucial steps in steering them away from delinquency.
The data points to an urgent need for collaboration between law enforcement, educators, social services, and community leaders to create more positive pathways for juveniles. With the right interventions, there is hope for reducing crime rates and building a safer future for youth.
