: Now-a-days, Ganjam district is witnessing an uptick in juvenile involvement in criminal activities, causing growing concern among local residents.
According to recent crime records, a staggering 567 minors have been linked to various cases over the past three years, with serious offences such as murder, raising particular alarm
To address the grave issue, Ganjam district has strategically divided its jurisdiction into two police districts: Ganjam Police District and Brahmapur Police District. Disturbingly, records reveal that 416 juveniles were implicated in criminal cases within Ganjam Police District between 2021 and 2023, while Brahmapur Police District reported 151 minors involved in similar incidents during the same period.
Once apprehended, juveniles are presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) and subsequently relocated to Bal Sudhar House. Brahmapur boasts of a Juvenile Correctional Home, where dedicated counsellors strive to rehabilitate and reshape the mental states of the young residents. Despite these efforts, some juveniles are observed returning to a life of crime after their release, and instances of violence against staff at Bal Sudhar House underscore the challenges faced in the rehabilitation process.
Notably, in an incident, a 17-year-old minor fatally stabbed another minor in Bhim Sagar water reservoir resulting in the prompt arrest of the accused by Khallikote police. Investigations into the matter revealed a pre-existing enmity as the motive, shedding light on the disconcerting aggression exhibited by minors at such a tender age.
“Minors often find themselves involved in criminal activities due to various circumstances, including financial scarcity. The current level of counselling provided in Bal Sudhar House may be insufficient. There is a need for comprehensive post-release rehabilitation, incorporating vocational training to ensure a smoother reintegration into society," prominent psychiatrist Dr Brushabhanu Karan said.
Furthermore, the organization of awareness programme at different intervals in schools and colleges to instill a greater sense of responsibility among children regarding the consequences of criminal behavior is also equally important. The community now awaits concerted efforts to address the pressing issue and safeguard the future of the youth in Ganjam district, Dr Karan added.