2024-07-12 16:59:52
New Delhi: It should be called a shocking case or one that makes one bow one’s head in shame or something else that one might not have thought of. A news comes from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh which is difficult to believe. An 8-year-old girl was gang-raped and then murdered by three minor boys studying in her school. The age of these boys is between 12 to 15 years. According to the police, after the murder, these boys threw the girl in the canal so that no evidence is found. After listening to this entire incident, one can only say that how can a minor do this, that too not one but three. Minor means soft heart. School which is called the temple of education and if the children of that school do something like this, then there are not one but many questions.
On one hand, innocent childhood, on the other, cruelty and violence. This is a matter of concern that cannot be ignored. Keeping children safe and away from crime is not the responsibility of just one person. It is the responsibility of the family, school and society as well. After hearing this incident, it can be said that mistakes have been made at all places. Also, we have to think about the fact that children are ‘growing up’ at a young age. Here, growing up does not mean height or physique. Also, what is it that is affecting the minds of children?
Many other heinous crimes have come to light in the past in which minor children were involved. If we look at the NCRB data, we will find that the number of crimes against children is increasing. Most of these are those above 16 years of age. Domestic violence, exploitation, bad company, drug addiction, mental health problems, social exclusion, illiteracy, lack of opportunities, lack of law and morality are all the reasons cited for crimes against children. But the question here is bigger because not one but three minors are involved and their age is between 12 to 15. Questions have also been raised about the use of mobile phones behind some such crimes.
In today’s era, mobile phone has become an integral part of most people’s lives. But its increasing addiction among minors is a matter of concern. Excessive mobile use can negatively affect their physical, mental and social development. It is difficult to say what they are watching on mobile phones and how and to what extent it is affecting them. This is not just about this incident in Andhra Pradesh. If children are no longer children today, then who is to blame?