18 Adults Arrested in Nagpur for Forcing Minors into Criminal Activities

The arrests came after an extensive investigation by the city police, with cases registered across six police stations in south and east Nagpur — Nandanvan, Hudkeshwar, Beltarodi, Ajni, Sakkardara and Imamwada. Police sources revealed that the accused allegedly manipulated children into participating in crimes ranging from vehicle theft and assaults to rioting and burglary.

In a statement, a senior police official said that the operation focused on identifying adults who had orchestrated criminal activity among minors — a disturbing trend that authorities have been monitoring closely.

Officials said the accused have been charged under Section 95 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a provision aimed specifically at adults who exploit minors for criminal purposes. Under this law, those found guilty face rigorous imprisonment ranging from a minimum of three years up to a decade, along with substantial fines.

Importantly, the new provisions treat the adult instigator as the primary offender, whether or not they personally committed the offenses alongside the minors.

In addition, authorities cited Section 136(C) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, which holds parents or guardians accountable for failing to prevent juvenile delinquency. This expanded approach is expected to strengthen preventive measures and reduce exploitation of children.

Police officials said the arrests were sparked by a rising trend of minors being used as proxies for criminal activity — a shift that not only endangers children but also undermines public safety. Experts note that gangs and exploitative adults often leverage minors’ age to avoid harsher punishment, making such crackdowns crucial.

Nagpur’s child protection units have also stepped up efforts in recent months. Just weeks ago, two minors were rescued from suspected illegal custody in Mehdibagh, underscoring ongoing efforts to safeguard vulnerable youth.

The arrests have drawn strong reactions from local residents and child welfare advocates, many of whom have long called for stricter action against adults involved in juvenile exploitation. Several community leaders praised the police for taking decisive steps to dismantle networks that allegedly prey on children.

Police have promised that further investigations are underway and that additional arrests may follow as the probe deepens.