What is more alarming about their crime is that all of them are aged below 20: Ashish and Tilakram are 18; Thamsingh, Hiradhan, and Sandesh 17; and Kumarsingh Rai is 19.They killed the Giri couple three years ago after they broke into the couple's home to commit robbery.
Likewise, 21-year-old Akil Rai and 25-year-old Anuram are serving jail-time for their involvement in the murder of Dhruba Shrestha from Kharmi VDC-6. Another accused, Bhudeu Rai, 18, has already died in police custody.
These and many other similar cases point at the growing pattern of youths' involvement in violence and serious crimes such as murder, rape and robbery. Many have been found to be higher secondary level students.
Involvement of teenagers in serious crimes is unfortunate for the society and the country, said Ras Kumar Rai, chairperson of Srijanatamk Ekta Yuwa Samuh, a non-governmental organization working for youths.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Bidyanand Majhi at District Police Office (DPO), Khotang holds the guardians responsible for rising trend of youth going astray.
"These days, guardians are unaware about what their children are doing. As a result, their children get into trouble," DSP Majhi said.
According to him, lack of education, unemployment and use of alcohol also contribute in pushing youths toward the wrong path.
As per the DPO, Khotang, out of 50 criminal cases filed at the office, majority involve youths.
"To be a sincere person, one needs a good company," Samir Rai, a social worker, said. "But in lack of good youths whom they can look up to, many have fallen into the hands of criminal elements."
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