Pimpri-Chinchwad, known for its industrial growth, is facing an alarming rise in juvenile crime, with adolescents increasingly involved in serious offenses such as murder, attempted murder, and vandalism.
The ease with which these minors return to the streets after brief stints in juvenile homes is exacerbating the issue, posing a significant challenge for law enforcement.
The city's diverse population, including a large number of migrant workers and a mix of slum areas and affluent neighborhoods, creates an environment where children, often neglected due to their parents' work commitments, are vulnerable to criminal influences.
In slums, early morning departures for work by parents leave children unsupervised, leading some to drop out of school and others to engage in criminal activities. Similarly, in high-end societies, children, despite having caretakers, are exhibiting violent tendencies, resulting in criminal behavior.
Recent incidents, such as the murder of a young entrepreneur in Bhosari by six minors and the vandalism of multiple vehicles in areas like Chinchwad-Link Road and Nigdi, underscore the severity of the issue.
The police have successfully solved 99% of these cases, yet the increasing involvement of minors remains a serious concern.
To address this, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissionerate has implemented a special task force focused on juvenile crime. These young offenders are being counseled and provided with vocational training to divert them from the path of crime and towards a more constructive future. The police are also offering career guidance to help these youths find alternative paths in life.
