TEEN AGERS CRIME

Juvenile crimes rankle Trichy

Oct 15, 2013, 01.44AM IST [ R Gokul ]



TRICHY: Crimes of all sorts are reported and their perpetrators are varied, with even children being accused of heinous crimes. The growing number of juvenile crimes and other deviant acts are a concern for parents, law enforces and the general society. Experts say that the careless parenting is a significant factor behind children going astray. Trichy city is not immune to juvenile crimes and many here see it as an outcome of declining social values.

The statistics of the city crime record bureau (CCRB) reveal that as many as 45 minors were arrested in connection with 34 juvenile crime cases between January 2012 and December 2012. Among these minors, one was a girl. The cases registered against these minors include murder, attempt to murder, kidnap, theft, riot, causing hurt, accident and other petty offences.

The number of juvenile cases registered this year is yet to be compiled, but it is expected that juvenile crimes may only rise. A few days back, on October 11, the city police arrested three minors for pickpocketing. Two of them were sent to a government observation home. It was revealed that they were punished for their crimes earlier too and continued to repeatedly indulge in such crime.

"We are taking legal action against minors indulging in crimes in order to rehabilitate them. But they should realise that they are going on the wrong path," said Shailesh Kumar Yadav, the commissioner of police (CoP), Trichy.

Lack of good parenting is said to be one of the main causes for juvenile delinquency. "In the current scenario, it remains a big challenge to the society. Careless parenting, improper understanding of the children's mindset and some media have negative impact on the character of the children. Parents must realise that they should educate children about moral behaviour," said Dr RM Sam Deva Asir, assistant professor in the social work department of Bishop Heber College.

Asir recalled an incident in which a seven-year-old girl threatened her 27-year-old drunkard father with dire consequences for torturing the family. "The chances are very high for such children to indulge in criminal activities. So, good parenting is a must for a better society," he added.

Dr MA Aleem, vice principal of KAPV government medical college, said parents should be role models for their children. "Nowadays, the lack of role models in the family is also a problem. If the parents are embodiment of good behaviour, it will automatically have a positive impact on their children. The chances of children becoming criminal are high if their father is no more," he noted.

The desperation to earn money sidesteps care and protection of children, said advocate S Indra Gandhi, Chairman of child welfare committee (CWC), Trichy. "Even though parents have to deal with all sorts of problems, they should spare time to nurture their children. The real development of the country depends on the quality of the children."