Juvenile crime rate highest in Delhi last year: NCRB data

The highest number of crimes committed by juveniles was reported by Maharashtra (4,406), followed by Madhya Pradesh (3,795) and Rajasthan (3,063). However, the rate of crimes has gone up to 42% in Delhi while it is 12% in Maharashtra and 13% in Madhya Pradesh.

Last year, over 92 murders and 154 attacks were committed by minors in Delhi. In the latest case, a 16-year-old boy allegedly stabbed an 18-year-old man repeatedly and danced on the streets as he “celebrated” the murder. Footage of the incident that took place in Northeast Delhi went viral on social media.

Over 286 minors were involved in other assault cases. As per the data, most minors apprehended by police were involved in theft (866 cases) and robbery (235 cases). Over 33 teenagers were also booked under the Arms Act for carrying deadly weapons.

Data also shows the slow disposal of cases as more than 5,128 minors have been left waiting for trial since 2021. Only 729 minors were sent to correction homes while others were released “after advice” or their FIRs were quashed.

In 2022, more than 1,894 fresh cases against minors were pending trial. Most children caught in Delhi “lived with their parents” and had studied “above primary to matric” level.

Offences at railway stations shoot up

In the last year, Delhi witnessed a major spike in offences such as thefts and assaults at railway stations. As per data, over 3,243 cases were reported by the Government Railway Police last year — a 39% increase from 2,332 cases reported the year before. In 2020, 2,117 cases were lodged.

Out of the total offences in 2022, over 3,089 cases are of theft.

At 15.4%, Delhi also has the second-highest rate of railway crimes. Maharashtra with 15.8% is the highest.