City on the edge: Juveniles increasingly committing heinous crimes in Delhi, say police

Juveniles across the national capital are fuelling a troubling trend that has engulfed Delhi. The youth, seen as the harbingers of the nation’s future, are increasingly turning to guns and knives, creating a surge in crimes that no longer feels gradual. Adults now remain cautious, even of teenagers.

According to Delhi Police data, exclusively accessed by Patriot, there has been a marked increase in the involvement of minors in many heinous crimes across the city. No longer limited to theft, burglary, or snatching for quick gains, juveniles are now implicated in graver offences such as rape and murder. Police officials highlight that what might start as a physical altercation often escalates into lethal violence, turning ordinary conflicts into life-threatening encounters. A mere physical tussle, they note, increasingly ends in a brutal fight to death—living life on the edge of a barrel.

Juveniles claim their share in crimes

While an overall decline in the number of heinous crimes was recorded, the proportion involving juveniles has risen significantly. As of December 15, 2024, Delhi witnessed a slight dip in murder cases, with 457 incidents compared to 463 in 2023. However, juvenile involvement surged to 27%, up from 20% in the previous year.

Rapes across the capital saw a marginal decline, with 1,971 cases reported this year compared to 2,038 in 2023, marking a 3.3% decrease. Yet, the share of juveniles involved rose to 10%, accounting for approximately 197 of the total reported rape cases.

These figures reflect a worrying trend. Most districts in Delhi have seen a notable rise in juvenile involvement in crimes. For instance, the Outer District recorded 19 juveniles apprehended for rape, 18 for murder, and 24 for attempted murder in 2024, compared to 12, 23, and 30, respectively, in 2023. Similarly, the South West District reported nine juvenile murder cases and 22 attempted murders this year, compared to three and seven last year.

Despite a slight decrease in overall juvenile apprehensions in the South West District—from 213 in 2023 to 210 in 2024—the nature of crimes has grown more violent. Culpable homicide cases rose to 15, compared to nine last year, and reported rapes doubled from five to 11.

The pattern remains consistent across the city. While the involvement of juveniles in snatching and theft cases has declined, their involvement in rapes and murders has risen alarmingly.

A similar pattern can be seen in attempt to murder and rape cases. To put matters into perspective, districts such as South East, Dwarka, and South West witnessed a quantifiable increase in the number of attempt to murder cases this year at 36, 25, and 22, respectively.

In 2023, the number of such cases recorded in South East, Dwarka, and South West stood at 31, 19, and seven, respectively.

Juveniles help gangs function

According to a senior police officer in the Special Cell, Delhi’s criminal gangs are increasingly recruiting juveniles. “In many cases, juveniles are at the centre of heinous crimes, including murders. Gangs exploit the legal leniencies granted to minors, using them to commit crimes without fear of significant legal repercussions,” the officer explained.

Many juveniles apprehended for crimes are sent to juvenile homes but return to the streets within months. “This creates a sense of invincibility among them,” the officer said. Financial hardship and challenging home environments often push these minors toward gangs, where they seek a sense of belonging.

Some of the gangs employing juveniles include the Lawrence Bishnoi-Goldy Brar gang, Himanshu Bhau, Kapil Sangwan alias Nandu, Manjeet Mahal, Neeraj Bawana, and Hashim Baba, among others.

A police study from January 2022 to May 2024 revealed that 259 minors were involved in serious offences such as murder, attempt to murder, rape, robbery, and extortion. In 2022 alone, 3,002 minors were involved in various crimes, including 152 murders. The numbers were even higher in 2021, with 3,317 minors implicated in crimes, including 125 murders.

These statistics highlight the increasing brutality of juvenile crimes, leaving the police and psychologists deeply concerned.

What experts say

Psychologists attribute the rise in juvenile crimes to several factors, including socio-economic challenges and the influence of media. “On a daily basis, these juveniles are exposed to a barrage of content on television and social media that can significantly influence their behaviour. Even something as straightforward as a news story about a murder can leave an impression,” said Dr Anuna Bordoloi, consultant clinical psychologist at Fortis Healthcare, Noida.

“Social media, in particular, often glorifies violent acts, while video games with aggressive themes exacerbate their tendencies. Moreover, their immediate environment plays a critical role. Many of these minors are driven by a desire to prove themselves, sometimes viewing crime as a way to gain recognition or ‘hero’ status within their families.”

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Bordoloi further highlighted that the younger generation had become much more impatient and selfish when it comes to how they want to see themselves. “They want everything quick. The society in itself has turned much more secluded and divided, with no sense of cohesion. This brings these children up to turn into aggressive human beings themselves,” she said.

Sanskriti Singh, a Delhi-based clinical psychologist, stressed the need for preventive measures. “Mental health professionals must be actively involved in rehabilitating juvenile offenders, focusing on positive personality growth rather than just punishment,” she said. Singh advocated for community mental health programmes, particularly in lower socio-economic areas, to address the root causes of crime.

Delhi Police’s efforts to curb juvenile delinquency

To address the issue, Delhi Police has launched the Yuva scheme, aiming to engage and rehabilitate street children and at-risk youth. The programme uses sports, street plays (nukkad nataks), and skill development training to provide opportunities for personal growth and societal integration.

Through these initiatives, the police hope to divert vulnerable juveniles from the path of crime. However, with rising gang influence and socio-economic challenges, tackling the root causes of juvenile delinquency requires a collaborative effort involving law enforcement, psychologists, and community leaders.