Nagpur: The city of Nagpur, known as the Second Capital of Maharashtra, is currently facing a worrisome surge in crime cases involving juvenile offenders. Recent data obtained from the Nagpur police reveals that approximately 467 young individuals are actively engaging in criminal activities within the city. The offenses primarily include theft, burglary, and even more severe body offenses. This concerning trend poses a significant challenge to law enforcement agencies and raises serious concerns for the safety of citizens.
Between January 2022 and May 2023, an alarming total of 413 criminal cases were registered against juvenile offenders in Nagpur. Out of these cases, 131 were related to theft, reflecting the prevalence of property crimes. Equally troubling is the involvement of 141 victims caught in legal conflicts with these young lawbreakers, further emphasizing the impact on the community.
A detailed analysis of the data reveals that Zone V of the Nagpur City police stands out as the epicenter of the problem. This zone has reported 133 registered cases involving 156 juvenile offenders, indicating a concentration of criminal activities in that area. Zone IV closely follows behind with 144 juvenile criminals implicated in 125 crimes. Zone I ranks third, with 65 identified juvenile offenders involved in 61 crimes. Zone III recorded 55 juvenile offenders engaged in 47 crimes, while Zone II had 47 offenders involved in 47 crimes.
Several police stations within Nagpur have been significantly affected by cases involving juvenile offenders. Nandanvan Police Station emerged as the most problematic, registering 39 cases involving 42 young lawbreakers. Kalmana Police Station closely follows with 38 crimes solely involving juvenile offenders. MIDC Police Station also reported a significant number of cases, with 33 instances involving juvenile delinquents. Yashodhara Nagar and Jaripatka Police Stations registered 28 and 35 cases, respectively. Other police stations, including Hudakeshwar, Ajni, Kapil Nagar, Sadar, Pachpaoli, Wathoda, and Imambada, have also been impacted by various cases involving juvenile offenders.
The gravity of the situation becomes even more apparent when examining the specific criminal activities in which juvenile offenders are involved. Shockingly, 21 cases of attempted murder were linked to juveniles, posing a serious threat to public safety. Additionally, nine cases involved juveniles in actual murder incidents, indicating a disturbing escalation in violent behavior. Robbery and burglary emerged as major offenses, with 23 and 52 cases registered, respectively.
Furthermore, 116 cases of injury were recorded, indicating a concerning level of violence within the juvenile population. Juvenile delinquents were also implicated in 131 cases of theft and 69 cases classified under ‘Others’.
The alarming spike in crime cases involving juvenile offenders in Nagpur demands immediate attention from law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the community as a whole. The prevalence of theft, burglary, and violent offenses committed by young individuals raises serious concerns about public safety and highlights the need for comprehensive measures to address this issue. Collaborative efforts involving law enforcement, educational institutions, social services, and families are crucial to prevent and rehabilitate juvenile offenders, ensuring a safer environment for all residents of Nagpur.
A retired police official expressed deep concern over the rise in such crime, calling for prompt action from authorities. This is a social problem and all government agencies should work together to address the issue, he said.
