New Delhi: Delhi has once again recorded the highest number of crimes against children and offences committed by juveniles among major metropolitan cities in India, according to the latest data released by the National Crime Records Bureau for 2024.
The report revealed that Delhi registered 7,662 cases of crimes against children during the year, slightly lower than the 7,769 cases reported in 2023. Despite the marginal decline, the city continued to report one of the highest crime rates against children in the country at 138.4 cases per lakh child population, far above the national average of 42.3.
The NCRB data also highlighted concerns over the low chargesheet rate in such cases. Delhi recorded a chargesheet rate of only 31.7 percent in crimes against children, significantly below the national average of 61.4 percent.
Among Union Territories, Delhi accounted for the highest number of crimes against children, followed by Jammu and Kashmir and Chandigarh.
The national capital also topped the list for juvenile offences under the category “Child in Conflict with the Law”. Delhi recorded 2,306 cases involving juveniles in 2024, the highest among all metro cities. Chennai and Bengaluru followed with 466 and 386 cases respectively.
Theft emerged as the most common offence committed by juveniles in Delhi with 526 cases, followed by snatching, attempt to murder and robbery. Offences against property crossed 1,000 cases, while offences affecting the human body also remained high.
The report further revealed serious crimes involving juveniles, including 144 murder cases, 58 rape cases and multiple incidents related to assault, kidnapping and grievous hurt.
Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, Delhi registered 132 cases involving juveniles. Authorities also recorded offences under the Arms Act, Excise Act and Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
According to the data, 3,270 juveniles were apprehended in Delhi during 2024. Most of them were living with parents, while a significant number had limited educational backgrounds, with the majority having studied only up to matric level.
