New Delhi : Virtual World! There is a world where everything looks shiny and fabulous. Its world is different from the real world because there is openness there. Everyone looks happy. On the other hand, the real world has its own rules and regulations. There is a bond… the new generation is attracted by openness rather than bondage. Instead of the real world, they remain immersed in the virtual world. Many crimes are also flourishing through this. Even gangsters are taking advantage of this. Its hallmark can be understood like this:case number 1
14 year old girl lives in Jamia Nagar. Became friends with a 16 year old boy from Seelampur through Instagram in August. The boy called on 13 September and told that it was his birthday. The girl refused to come at night. The boy threatened acid attack. The girl got scared and went to the hotel with her friend at 6 pm. When I entered the room, two boys were already there. Both the girls started returning. The boys locked themselves in the washroom. The girl messaged her sister on the phone. The family reached the hotel. The three boys started fighting and stabbed the girl’s brother on the back. All three absconded. All three were members of ‘Allu Gang’ of minors of North East Delhi. After committing four robberies in a week, they went to the hotel for fun. The North East District Police later caught them.
case number 2
Anu Dhankhar, the main accused in the murder case that took place on June 18 at Rajouri Garden Burger King restaurant, is only 19 years old. Got impressed by the reels of 21 year old notorious gangster Himanshu alias Bhau sitting abroad on social media and stories of his exploits in the media. A year ago, she came in touch with Bhau through Instagram. Bhau showed the dreams of America. She left studies and started working for Bhau. On January 21, 2024, bullets were fired at Maturam Halwai’s shop located in Gohana, Sonipat to extort Rs 2 crore. Came into the world of crime. She remained on the run for four months after the Burger King massacre. Bhau used to send the expenses. Police arrested him on 24 October. The list of stories of getting trapped in this way is very long.
‘Henchmen active on social media’
A top officer of Delhi Police says that the gangsters and their henchmen who have fled abroad and are lodged in jail are active through social media. Boys and girls of new age follow them. Also comment on their reels. Slowly chatting starts. The gangster and his henchmen start setting the trap. If someone has been involved in petty crime then it becomes easy to target him. International crime syndicates are running extortion business in Delhi-NCR, Punjab, Chandigarh, Haryana, UP, Uttarakhand, Himachal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan. Betting operators, fake call centres, builders, drug mafia, businessmen and famous celebrities are their targets. Gangsters call from abroad or jail and demand crores of rupees. If they are reluctant to give the money, then the process of terrorizing them by firing is started.
‘Gangsters are in fun, boys are in jail’
Police officers say that the search for sharpshooters begins. Boys recruited from social media are assigned the job. Weapons are given and the target is told. Rival gang members are even murdered. By spreading terror through these boys and girls by calling them abroad and giving all kinds of luring, the gangsters are getting crores of rupees sent abroad through Hawala. They are living a life of luxury there and building property. This is what the gangsters and miscreants sitting in jail are doing. The lives of young boys and girls who are risking their lives for them are being ruined and they have to rot in jail. Their families remain ashamed.
This is how the conspiracy was revealed
Last year there was firing at the gate of a house in Hari Nagar Ashram. The victim received voice messages from an international number. Claiming to be Anmol Bishnoi, younger brother of Lawrence Bishnoi, he demanded extortion money of Rs 2 crore. The Crime Branch arrested two minors aged 16 and 17 years from Churu, Rajasthan, while Haran alias Devil from Gujarat was arrested from Dhaula Kuan. It was revealed that Anmol had assigned the work. An agent of Sampat Nehra had included these minors in the gang through social media. Harain from Gujarat was connected with Anmol through Instagram. Three boys opened fire on a property dealer in Narela. Gangster Akshay sitting abroad asked for extortion. He was also recruited by gangster Naresh Sethi through social media.
Competition to become a hit in Instagram
Police officers say that minors are ready to do anything to increase followers on Instagram. Make reels on social media with weapons or on bullying songs. After committing various crimes including murder, these minors announce it on social media. Due to this, the number of his followers increases, especially among girls. They know that they have many rights under the law, due to which there is no need to be strict with them and they also know that they will be released from the reform home soon. That’s why they themselves commit crimes openly and gangsters also use them very well.
Delhi tops among metropolitan cities
- Among the 19 metropolitan cities, minors from Delhi have been found committing maximum crimes.
- The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data for 2022 confirms this.
- During 2022, 2340 cases were registered against minors in Delhi, 3002 were caught by the police.
- There were 2147 cognizable offences. There were 92 cases of murder. There were cases of robbery (235), murderous attacks (154) and POCSO (103).
- Of the minors caught, 2448 lived with parents, while 324 were with guardians or relatives and 230 boys were homeless.
- 392 who were caught did not go to school at all. 1032 boys had studied till primary, 1267 boys till 10th and 279 boys till 12th. Only 32 boys were undergraduates.
Interview: The Virtual Trap – Understanding the Rise of Cyber-Crime through Social Media
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Ramesh Khatri, a prominent criminologist and expert on cyber-crime. Today, we delve into the troubling rise of youth crime fueled by social media. Your insights will provide clarity on this unsettling trend.
Dr. Khatri: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic that needs attention, especially as we witness a drastic cultural shift among the younger generation.
Editor: Absolutely. Your recent study points out that many young people are opting for the virtual world, which seems far more appealing than the constraints of reality. Can you discuss the allure of this ‘virtual world’?
Dr. Khatri: Certainly. The virtual world presents a façade of freedom and acceptance—like a dreamland where everything seems shiny and fabulous. Young individuals are drawn to the openness and, unfortunately, this can lead them to dangerous paths. They get easily seduced by criminals who exploit this very openness to manipulate and recruit them.
Editor: You shared two troubling cases that illustrate this phenomenon. In the first case, a young girl found herself in a dangerous situation after connecting with a boy on Instagram. What does this suggest about the relationships formed online?
Dr. Khatri: Online relationships can lack the fundamental checks and balances present in face-to-face interactions. The anonymity of social media allows bullies and criminals to manipulate and threaten young individuals without immediate consequences. The case of the 14-year-old girl represents just one of many instances where digital connectivity can spiral into real-life dangers.
Editor: In the second case, a teenage girl was seduced into a life of crime by a notorious gangster she met through social media. How prevalent is this trend?
Dr. Khatri: It’s alarming. Many young people aspire to the lifestyles portrayed online, especially by criminals, which can lead them to abandon their education and morals in pursuit of an illusion. The case you mentioned is not an isolated incident; the glamorization of crime on social media is a powerful pull, leading youth away from productive paths.
Editor: It’s striking how organized crime syndicates are cleverly using social media for recruitment. You mentioned that these gangs target vulnerable individuals who have previously committed minor offenses. Could you elaborate on this?
Dr. Khatri: Absolutely. Criminals often prey on individuals who have shown a propensity for rule-breaking, offering them an enticing and seemingly rewarding alternative. These gangs are sophisticated in their recruitment tactics, using social media to build rapport and trust before pulling youth into their criminal activities.
Editor: The statistics reveal a stark reality where the lives of these young recruits are irreversibly damaged, while the gangsters live in luxury abroad. What does this disparity say about our societal dynamics?
Dr. Khatri: It highlights a profound crisis of values. The systemic failures—poor education, lack of support, and social alienation—create a breeding ground for these radical shifts towards crime. The gangsters exploit this environment, living lavishly while leaving their recruits behind to face the dire consequences. This disparity unveils a larger issue; one that demands urgent reform in our educational and social services.
Editor: So what can be done to prevent youth from falling into this trap of cyber-crime?
Dr. Khatri: Education and awareness are key. We need proactive initiatives that educate young people about the risks of the virtual world while promoting critical thinking. Reinforcing the importance of offline connections is equally essential. Parents, educators, and communities should foster environments where open dialogues about online experiences take place.
Editor: That’s an insightful strategy. As we conclude, what would you say is the most pressing takeaway from our discussion today?
Dr. Khatri: We must recognize that the virtual world, while offering opportunities, also presents significant dangers. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure that we guide the younger generation away from the glamorized versions of crime and back to pathways of growth and fulfillment.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Khatri, for your valuable insights. It’s clear that while social media can connect us, it also bears the risk of leading youth astray. Let’s continue to shine a spotlight on these issues and work towards solutions.
Dr. Khatri: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation, and I hope it encourages further action within our communities.