Three Murders In 2 Weeks, Juvenile Crimes Put Police In A Spot Of Bother In Odisha’s Puri

Puri: An alleged surge in juvenile crimes in Odisha’s Puri have become a cause of serious concern for the pilgrim town’s police.

During last two weeks, the town has witnessed at least three brutal murders allegedly orchestrated by minors.

Puri SP Pinak Mishra said police will identify and prepare a list of all juveniles involved in criminal activities and enrol them for counselling. The cops will also hold discussion with their parents and guardians asking them to keep a check on their wards.

On Monday, a group of miscreants hacked a physically-challenged man to death in Radhagobinda Lane under Puri Town police limits. The deceased was identified as Harihar Sahu who became a victim of gang rivalry, said sources.

According to police, Harihar’s son was involved in the murder of one Dinesh Khuntia whose associates allegedly avenged his death by killing the former.

Dinesh, a sweetmeat trader was axed to death by a group of miscreants on August 8 at Hadagodia Sahi under Puri Town police limits.

In this case, police detained five people, and all of them are minors. Similarly, investigation revealed that all who attacked Harihar were also juveniles.

Another murder which sent shockwaves across Puri was of a Balasore-based youth Prahalad Das alias Bapina, whose body was found on the sea beach under Baliapanda police limits on August 14.

A resident of Jodamba village under Soro police limits, Bapina had multiple cases in his name, police said. Accused in Bapina murder case are yet to be identified and traced.

While crimes involving juveniles are on a rise in Puri, which is crowded with pilgrims and tourists round the year, child welfare activists opined that counselling can act as a strong deterrent to curb such cases.

A former Child Welfare Committee member said in most cases youngsters in late teens, get embroiled in gang dominance and commit crimes. “The fear of law is vanishing among minors who feel they can take advantage of age and escape the clutches of law. Reforms are needed to deal with underage criminals,” said Ray.