CHITWAN, Aug 18: Police data show a disturbing rise in the use of children in criminal activities in Chitwan, with 86 minors aged 10 to 18 arrested over the past year in connection with eight types of offenses.
According to Superintendent of Police (SP) Govinda Puri, chief of the District Police Office, Chitwan, the arrests included 26 for public offenses/indecent behavior, 22 for theft, 21 for drug-related cases, seven for attempted murder, five for rape, two for attempted rape, two for vehicular manslaughter and one for cybercrime.
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SP Puri said children are increasingly being drawn into theft and drug trafficking. “They are often lured into crime with small amounts of money,” he explained, noting that children are also being exploited in cases of public disorder.
Investigations have revealed that adults frequently deploy minors for theft to escape harsher punishment themselves. “We have found instances where children from the Terai region were brought to Chitwan and forced into stealing,” Puri said. “In several cases, the adults behind such exploitation have also been arrested and prosecuted.”
Police have expressed concern that the trend is growing, with children being systematically targeted and manipulated by organized groups for criminal gain.
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