The prevailing climate in India and its various states is fueling a rise in crime among teenagers and young adults. Crimes, both minor and major, have increased. Incidents of cash, wallet, and mobile phone thefts from pedestrians are on the rise. Drug-addicted adolescents appear to be the most involved in these snatching and robbery incidents.
These criminals don’t even wait for nightfall; they commit crimes in broad daylight. Looking at the list of crimes in major cities, several cases involve delinquent adolescents.
According to the law, juvenile offenders cannot be punished severely even in heinous cases. Therefore, many countries, including Sweden, Argentina, the Maldives, and the Philippines, have decided to change their policies regarding the remission or non-sentencing of juvenile offenders and further lower the age limit.
In Sweden, children aged 15 to 14, in Argentina, children aged 16 to 14, and in Australia, even children over the age of ten are being considered for general punishment in serious cases like murder. In India, this age limit is 18. Now, there is discussion about lowering this age limit to 16.
Whether it’s due to drug addiction or the spread of materialism, even teenage offenders are now committing heinous crimes.
Therefore, there are calls for harsher punishments commensurate with their crimes and for an end to the policy of granting remission.
Amid this debate, a case has emerged from Chhattisgarh. Four juvenile offenders escaped from the Children’s Protection Home in Sarkanda, Bilaspur district, after allegedly murdering a security guard on duty.
All four juvenile offenders were already involved in crimes such as murder, rape, molestation, and theft. After killing the guard, the four accused escaped. Raids are underway to trace and apprehend them.
In such cases, it is difficult to believe that someone underage could commit such a heinous crime. If they are granted remission in their sentences solely because of their age, they may no longer fear punishment.
Recognizing the changing environment, there are increasing calls for juvenile offenders involved in heinous crimes to face stricter punishment, taking into account the nature, brutality, and severity of their offences.