According to the crime investigation department’s report on Crime in Maharashtra, crimes by juveniles have increased by 13.8 per cent in 2016 as compared to 2015. The report was released in the first week of January.
In 2016, Maharashtra reported 6,239 cases of crimes by juveniles as compared to 5,482 in 2015.
| City | No of cases |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | 901 |
| Satara | 811 |
| Pune | 727 |
| Nagpur | 364 |
| Thane | 344 |
The report stated that most juveniles were booked for theft, along with criminal trespass and burglary, robbery, rape and other serious crimes. Apart from this, they were also booked under the Prohibition Act, Gambling Act, NDPS Act and Arms Act, along with other special and local laws.
In their report, CID experts have suggested a legal approach, counselling, and rehabilitation.
Former IPS officer-turned-lawyer YP Singh told Hindustan Times,
There are fewer economic resources now, forcing children to take to crime. It is not about the age, but intention. These days maturity comes in early. If we don’t control juvenile crime now, it could spiral out of control. Proper investigation and conviction would definitely send out the right message.”