As many as 323 cases of cognisable crimes under the Indian Penal Code concerning juveniles in conflict with the law were reported in Karnataka in 2012, an increase from 2011 when 281 cases (IPC) were reported, according to the statistics of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The most number of cases were reported in the category of theft, including vehicle theft (86), followed by burglary (35) and murder (32), which has followed a similar pattern to last year’s figures which also recorded a high number of burglary and theft cases. Meanwhile, lesser number of rape cases were reported in 2012 (12 cases) when compared to the 18 cases reported in 2011.
Other cases in the State include attempt to murder (28 cases), kidnapping and abduction (nine cases, of which four pertained to girls), dacoity (5), robbery (9) and assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (2 cases). As many as 37 were cases of theft were vehicle theft and remaining 49 were other cases of theft.
Apprehended
The figures also show that 440 juveniles were apprehended in connection with the reported cases of cognisable crimes during 2012. Of these, 425 were boys while the remaining were girls.
Meanwhile, 16 cases under Special and Local laws (SLL) crimes were reported in Karnataka 16 juveniles (15 boys and one girl) were apprehended in connection with these cases.
Overall national stats
The most number of cognisable crimes in India was reported in Madhya Pradesh which recorded 5,446 cases.
The highest number of juveniles involved in crimes belongs to the age group of 16 to 18 years. Seventy-three per cent juveniles come from this age group. The largest number of juveniles who committed offences belongs to the age group of 17 years (57% per cent.