Visakhapatnam: Theft remained the most common offence committed by juveniles in Andhra Pradesh in 2024, with 228 cases, followed by burglary (62 cases) under crimes against property, and hurt or grievous hurt (108 cases) under offences affecting the human body.
Rise in Juvenile Cases
According to NCRB data, the state recorded 726 cases involving “children in conflict with the law” (CCL) in 2024 — about five juveniles per one lakh minor population. This marked an increase from 662 cases in 2023, though it remained lower than 912 cases in 2022. Andhra Pradesh’s child population is estimated at 151.1 lakh (2011 Census).
Offences Affecting the Human Body
In offences affecting the human body, the state recorded 24 murder cases involving juveniles, 26 attempt-to-murder cases, 16 cases of causing death by negligence, 108 hurt cases, eight kidnappings and six cases of wrongful restraint — totalling 190 cases.
Offences Against Women and Children
In offences against women and children, 66 cases were reported, including 29 rapes, 10 assaults, seven sexual harassment cases, one disrobing attempt, five stalking and three voyeurism cases.
Property and Special Law Offences
Property-related crimes, including theft, robbery and dacoity, accounted for 325 cases. Additionally, 54 POCSO cases and 37 NDPS cases were reported, taking total special law offences to 105.
Profile of Apprehended Juveniles
A total of 924 juveniles were apprehended in 2024. Of them, 114 were illiterate, 200 had education up to the primary level, and the largest group of 448 juveniles had studied between the primary and matric levels. Another 147 had studied up to matric level, while 15 had education beyond higher secondary. The report further showed that 793 apprehended juveniles were living with parents, 48 with guardians and 83 were homeless.
Authorities' Observations
The authorities of the observation homes for juveniles (boys) stated that the juveniles’ involvement was seen in all sorts of criminal activities including murder, kidnap, sexual offences, cannabis smuggling and property offences in parts of the state. Some juveniles were part of the few supari gangs.
Police Insights
Police cited lack of parental supervision as a key factor and urged parents to monitor children closely. As per the Juvenile Justice Act (JJA), a juvenile is defined as a person under 18. Total cognizable under IPC and BNS crimes involving juveniles stood at 621 in AP in 2024. A total of 325 cases involving offences against property were registered against juveniles in 2024. 17 juveniles were awarded imprisonment, and 156 juveniles were acquitted or discharged in AP in 2024. Police say around 70 percent of juveniles apprehended for crimes are in the 16 to 18 age group and 98% are boys. Most children in conflict with law (CCLs) have been found to be products of lack of parental care, neglect, abuse. Some juveniles were apprehended for smuggling of cannabis.
