Photo: Collected
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) arrested five individuals belonging to a Kishor Gang, known as the 'Teen Squad', from the Kotwali police station area of Chattogram last week. The arrested members are aged between 15 and 20 years old. RAB reports indicate that these unruly teenagers are engaged in various criminal activities under different group affiliations, and their modus operandi is evolving over time.
The teenagers in the area in general face the grim reality of physical assaults and death threats. They openly brandish dangerous weapons and engage in drug consumption on a regular basis. These individuals have even been involved in prolonged acts of robbery and looting – thereby targeting various neighborhoods in the port city, including the Bayezid area.
The situation in the capital city, Dhaka, is all the more dire. The growing menace of 'Kishor Gang' has emerged, consisting of young individuals who are gradually growing older and mostly remain school-college students. A total of fifty-two gangs have recently become active, engaging in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and even murder.
Out of the eight crime divisions within the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), the Mirpur division has witnessed the highest proliferation of these gangs, with 172 active members of 13 Kishor Gangs. Furthermore, there are six active Kishor Gangs in the Uttara Division, seven in the Gulshan Division, seven in the Tejgaon Division, seven in the Ramna Division, four in the Motijheel Division, two in the Lalbagh Division, and six in the Wari Division.
The situation continues to deteriorate day by day. It is crucial to put an end to the Kishor Gang phenomenon.
Addressing juvenile delinquency effectively necessitates implementing appropriate measures within correctional facilities. Consequently, innovative approaches and potential amendments to existing laws must be considered.
Moreover, raising awareness within local communities is essential in preventing the formation of juvenile gangs. Law enforcement agencies should hold regular meetings to coordinate with the guardians of respective areas and discuss strategies for guiding young individuals.
Society and family guardians must also play a inevitable role in instilling strong family and social values. They should closely monitor their children's behaviour and be attentive to any changes. Additionally, opportunities for children and adolescents to engage in various socio-cultural activities and sports should be increased.
TDM/FMT
