RTI reply: 177 juveniles apprehended under POCSO in seven years

Five out of the 177 were apprehended in connection with a single FIR and were later convicted by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), said the RTI.

177 juveniles have been apprehended for sexual offences like rape, sodomy and other sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the last seven years. (File)

AS MANY as 177 juveniles have been apprehended for sexual offences like rape, sodomy and other sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the last seven years, the reply to RTI application filed by the Indian Express has revealed. The information procured stated that majority of juveniles were apprehended for committing rape in the police sub divisions of South West and North-East in Chandigarh. The information procured was about juveniles apprehended between January 1, 2015, and July 31, 2022. A total of 1,026 juveniles have been apprehended in the last seven years.

According to the RTI, 44 per cent juveniles (459) of total 1,026 were acquitted, 30 per cent (312) were convicted and criminal investigation against 24 per cent (255) is in progress. A majority of cases under which the juveniles were apprehended related to thefts, snatching, vehicle lifting and assault cases.

Five out of the 177 were apprehended in connection with a single FIR and were later convicted by the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB), said the RTI. “The apprehension of underage on rape charges along with POCSO Act suggests that in all of these cases, the victims were minors too. The feedback shows that in 92 per cent of the cases, the apprehended juveniles were known to the victims,” a senior police officer said.

The reply also stated that in one of the rape cases registered in May, 2022, at Sector 49 police station, the victim turned out to be a minor during her bone ossification test. The test is conducted to ascertain the age of an individual. Following the test result, sections of the POCSO Act were added in the FIR against two of the accused who were adults.

A close scrutiny of the reply suggests though 18 juveniles were apprehended for using fake registration number plates on stolen vehicles, not a single juvenile was apprehended for committing cheating or forgery. Meanwhile, 14 of 18 juveniles apprehended for using fake registration number plates were convicted, three were acquitted and one juvenile is still facing trial before the JJB.

Saurabh Parashar

Saurabh Parashar is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, primarily responsible for the publication’s coverage of Himachal Pradesh. He is a seasoned journalist with over 17 years of experience in print media, specializing in crime, legal affairs, and investigative reporting. Professional Background Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication from Guru Jambheshwar University of Science & Technology (Hisar) and a Law degree from Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla. This legal background significantly informs his reporting on complex judicial and administrative matters. Career Path: Before joining The Indian Express in 2017, he spent 12 years with The Times of India. Core Beats: His primary focus is the socio-political landscape of the hill state, with a specific emphasis on the environment, forest conservation, drug menace (specifically "Chitta"), affairs related to tribal and archaeology and the unique challenges of governance in high-altitude regions. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2025) His recent reporting highlights the critical intersection of policy, law, and social safety in Himachal Pradesh: 1. "Himachal’s battle against Chitta: Why the border areas are most vulnerable" (Late 2025): An investigative look at the transit routes from Punjab and the impact on local youth. 2. "Shimla ropeway clears key hurdle as 820 trees face the axe :According to the Forest Survey of India’s 2021 assessment, 47.21 percent of Shimla’s 5,131 sq km geographical area is under forest cover (Nov 17, 2025). 3. "Himachal to handover 2.7427 ha of non-forest land for Shimla Ropeway: Given the land’s non-forest nature, RTDC and the state will not require permission from MoEFCC" (Nov 18, 2025) 4. "How the centuries-old Jodidara tradition is fading in Himachal’s Trans-Giri region: Jodidara: a form of fraternal polyandry—has long been part of Hatti tribal culture in the Trans-Giri region of Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Uttarakhand. It is believed to have evolved to prevent division of ancestral land and maintain unity among brothers in the harsh, mountainous terrain" (Aug 18, 2025) Legal & Agricultural Affairs "Kisan Sabha hails SC’s setting aside Himachal HC order to remove orchards from forest land" (Dec 18, 2025): Covering a major Supreme Court victory for farmers, where a High Court order to remove fruit-bearing apple orchards was overturned. "Himachal Cabinet nod to new tourism policy; focus on home-stays in tribal areas" (Dec 11, 2025): Detailing the legislative push to decentralize tourism and bring economic benefits to Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur. 3. Governance & Environment "Forest rights and development: Why Himachal is seeking more leeway from Centre" (Dec 19, 2025): Reporting on the legal hurdles faced by the state in infrastructure projects due to the Forest Conservation Act. "Cloudbursts and resilience: How Himachal’s remote villages are building back better" (Nov 2025): Following up on the long-term rehabilitation efforts after monsoon-related disasters. Crime especially cyber crimes, crypto currency etc: crypto currency: "Agents in uniform, motivational speeches, lavish parties: How a Himachal crypto con went unnoticed:A serial conman, a ‘Nelson Mandela Nobel Peace Award winner', and retired policemen got together to pull off a Rs 1,740-crore fraud" (Nov 10, 2023) Signature Beats Saurabh is recognized for his tenacious reporting on the state's drug epidemic. His deep familiarity with the topography and tribal culture of Himachal allows him to report from remote locations like Spiti, Pangi, Shillai, which are often overlooked by national media. His legal expertise makes him a primary choice for covering the Himachal Pradesh High Court on issues ranging from local body elections to environmental PILs. X (Twitter): @saurabh_prashar . ... Read More

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