India, Nov. 17 -- Pune has recorded a sharp decline in juvenile crime in 2025 with crime branch data showing a significant drop - 149 cases between January and October 2025 as compared to 303 during the corresponding period last year. The number of juveniles apprehended has also fallen from 514 in 2024 to 234 this year. However, the severity and boldness of many recent offences involving minors continues to worry the police. The trend of minors being drawn into violent gangs, neighbourhood conflicts, and emerging koyta gangs is equally worrying.

The decline in juvenile crime this year is being credited to sustained counselling, targeted interventions, and a city-wide rehabilitation programme, 'Mission Parivartan'. Under 'Mission Parivart...