With several Children in Conflict with Law (CCLs) involved in stabbings and attempted murders, the Delhi police has intensified action, focusing on enforcement, sensitisation and rehabilitation.
As per the Central district police, strategic action and increased surveillance against juvenile groups have led to a 50% reduction in PCR calls. “Following some sustained efforts, PCR calls involving juvenile groups have significantly decreased in our district,” said Nidhin Valsan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Central district. “In 2024, we received 62 calls, including 12 attempted murder cases. In 2025, the number has reduced to 33, with 15 related to attempts to murder,” Mr. Valsan said.
“Given the rising involvement of CCLs in serious crimes in Patel Nagar and Anand Parbat, we conducted a detailed study and implemented a targeted strategy,” Nidhin Valsan, DCP (Central), said.
The DCP shared one such case, wherein a major and five CCLs were involved in a murder that led to an exchange of gunfire. On November 24, Patel Nagar police received a PCR call about a shopkeeper, Rajender Kumar, 40, being stabbed. He was taken to RML Hospital, where he was declared dead, and a murder case was registered.
During the investigation, police identified the main suspect as Mohd. Mehtab alias Raja (19 years). He was arrested on November 25 after he opened fire on police, who retaliated. Raja suffered an injury to his right leg and was treated at RML Hospital. On Wednesday, five CCLs involved in the murder were also apprehended. A separate case under Sections 132, 221 and 109(1) of the BNS and the Arms Act was filed.
Interrogation revealed that the suspects, all school dropouts from Farid Puri, operated as a group committing thefts and robberies. Raja had earlier been involved in a robbery and an attempt-to-murder case. The stabbing occurred after they demanded free cigarette packets and refused to pay, leading to a quarrel. They assaulted the shopkeeper and fled. Police recovered two knives, a country-made pistol and two cartridges.
Mr. Valsan said that in 2024–2025, police registered around 32 FIRs and DD entries, apprehended 105 CCLs and opened 66 Pink files to track repeat offenders. Three individuals who continued criminal activity even after adulthood were externed.
Further, the police added that they are focusing on counselling, rehabilitation and family support alongside enforcement..
Published – November 27, 2025 01:31 am IST
