In the past few months, local police in two central Delhi areas — Anand Parbat and Patel Nagar — have often found themselves responding to PCR calls ranging from complaints about street fights to knife attacks. However, in most cases, it was not adults but minors who were behind the crimes.
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In order to put an end to crimes targeting minors, the police decided in June to develop a plan. Officers began background checks to ascertain how the gangs operated.
Soon they were able to get to the bottom of it. Four gangs – the MG gang, 78, the Sarkar gang and the Bhagat Singh gang – operate within two local areas, with most of their members aged between 13 and 17 years.
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Since June, police have opened about 66 “pink files” to track habitual juvenile offenders.
Regarding the details of the investigation, Nedhin Valsan, Central Police Directorate (Central), said: “Since June, 105 juveniles have been arrested. Three individuals who had been involved in criminal activities since they were minors and continued them even after they reached the age of 18 were removed as a preventive measure. Of the 51 identified as active juvenile members, 31 were sent to probation homes.”
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According to data provided by the Central District Police, in 2024, from January to October, 62 PCR calls were received regarding crimes related to juveniles in Anand Parbat and Patel Nagar areas, with 12 FIRs registering attempt to murder. However, the number of PCR calls linked to juvenile crimes declined in 2025, standing at 33 during the first 10 months of the year, while 15 FIRs were lodged for attempted murder.
Seeing a rise in crimes involving juveniles, ACP, Patel Nagar, Sunil Kumar said the police started analyzing the crime pattern in June.
“The incidents were mostly fights, knife attacks and random fights involving the juveniles. After scrutinizing those involved, we dug deeper to check their family background as well. This only helped us understand why they were involved in the crime. Even the parents were counseled and plans were made to fruitfully involve them in better activities.” He added that they have now decided to involve them in sports activities and conduct inter-gang matches.
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“We also looked for job opportunities for the parents so that they can earn some money and live a normal life. This also helped us in counseling the concerned juveniles in a much better way,” the ACP said.
According to the police, in addition to these enforcement measures, equal emphasis was placed on counseling and rehabilitation. Officers said juveniles are referred to vocational counseling and rehabilitation programmes, while regular follow-up and guidance are ensured.
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© Indian Express Company Limited
(Tags for translation) Delhi Juvenile Crime
