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Editorial
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Moral Decline and Criminal Trends

Rising crime, weakening moral values, and emerging cyber threats in Nepal underscore the urgent need for societal awareness, personal responsibility, and effective law enforcement.
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By REPUBLICA

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in criminal tendencies within Nepali society. Analyses of news reports reveal an increasing trend of physical assaults on individuals. Traditionally, public outrage on the streets has been limited, but even that is beginning to surface. These developments highlight the growing anger, resentment, and tendency among some to take the law into their own hands. In the past six months alone, news reports indicate that 56 people have been murdered in the Terai-Madhes region. The fact that individuals can now take another person’s life without hesitation reflects a weakening of society’s moral fabric. Even the basic understanding that assaulting someone is unacceptable seems to be eroding. Taking the law into one’s own hands carries serious consequences. If someone violates the law, only the courts and state institutions have the authority to punish them. Even then, state agencies are expected to conduct the necessary investigations and present cases to the courts for appropriate legal action, rather than acting independently. As criminal incidents rise, it is often suggested that moral values and social norms have weakened. While new traditions can be fostered, the old ones should not be forgotten. After the introduction of democratic governance in the country, moral education was removed from school curricula. Ultimately, the increase in theft, robbery, assaults, and fraud can be linked to this absence of moral instruction.



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There has been no standard societal mechanism to remind citizens of what is right and wrong. In the past, guidance from elders was respected; today, people no longer listen or consider them as role models. Many now act freely, often disregarding the importance of adhering to certain principles. Physical assaults are not the only concern. With the rapid expansion of information technology, cybercrime has emerged as a growing threat. Fraud through digital networks is increasingly reported, creating hardships for individuals. As technology evolves, new forms of crime continue to surface. The police and state authorities have a critical role in safeguarding citizens from such crimes. Both potential perpetrators and the general public must remain vigilant. Law enforcement agencies, including the police, need to continuously update their knowledge to understand emerging types of crime and ensure that legal proceedings are effective. Raising societal awareness about crime is essential to protect communities from physical violence. Once an individual engages in criminal activity, life rarely becomes easier. A record of criminal activity becomes tied to a person’s history, limiting opportunities to take on responsible roles as society loses trust in them. Every aspect of their life can be affected once associated with criminal acts. Yet, the deterrent effect of fear or moral restraint against committing crimes appears weak in society today.


Some individuals become involved in crime for political reasons. Believing that their political party will protect them, they may commit criminal acts with a sense of impunity. At times, they may receive political shielding, but such protection is never guaranteed, and courts may refuse to recognize it in the future. Therefore, it is crucial for individuals to understand the importance of avoiding criminal involvement. Even during the current elections, some candidates have criminal backgrounds, yet their past continues to follow them, requiring explanations and accountability. Ultimately, individuals must set personal standards to stay away from crime. Every citizen must commit to avoiding criminal acts under all circumstances. Understanding what constitutes a legal violation and acting accordingly is essential. Failing to do so makes life difficult, not only for the perpetrator but also for the victims and their families. Those involved in crime may even be excluded from family life. To safeguard Nepali society from criminal activity, awareness programs educating the public about crime and its consequences are essential.

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