The cold-blooded murder of a young engineering student allegedly by two minors in Dharampeth, one of Nagpur's elite localities, has triggered widespread outrage. Even more alarming is that both minors come from well-educated families; their fathers are a teacher and a civil engineer, respectively.
Rise in Juvenile Crimes
This incident has once again highlighted the increase in crimes committed by juveniles in the city. According to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), juvenile crimes in Nagpur rose by a staggering 11.4% in 2024. While 254 offences involving minors were registered in 2023, the figure climbed sharply to 283 in 2024, exposing a worrying trend.
Nagpur Among Top Cities for Juvenile Rape Accusations
The city has also emerged among the top in the country for minors accused in rape cases. NCRB data reveals that Nagpur recorded the third-highest number of juveniles accused in rape cases, intensifying concerns over rising violent tendencies among minors and sparking calls for urgent intervention.
Year-on-Year Increase
In 2022, the city recorded 210 registered cases involving juveniles in conflict with the law. This number jumped to 254 in 2023, reflecting a sharp 20.9% rise. The upward trend continued in 2024, with cases climbing further to 283, an additional 11.41% increase over the previous year.
Underlying Causes
These numbers point to a deeper social crisis as minors increasingly drift towards violent and criminal behaviour. The educational background of the juveniles involved also exposes troubling trends. According to NCRB data, out of 351 juvenile offenders identified in Nagpur during 2024, none pursued studies beyond Class 12. Experts cite lack of education, broken family structures, substance abuse, social media influence, lack of supervision, and growing exposure to violence as major reasons behind the spike in juvenile crimes.
Expert Insights
Psychiatrist Kanak Gillurkar, speaking to TOI, said, "Most kids who turn to criminal activities come from broken homes. Alcohol or drug abuse in the father, or violence against the mother, can play a major role." She further explained that more than financial or social status, emotional neglect or distance from parents can cause children to turn to violence. "Children who grow distant from parents tend to idolise other people and behaviours," she added.
