Too fast, too furious

The need to flaunt money has given a rise to juvenile crime in the country. Parents should keep an eye on their children, say readers

Too fast, too furious

The need to flaunt money has given a rise to juvenile crime in the country. Parents should keep an eye on their children, say readersu00a0u00a0u00a0

The murder of 15-year-old Rizvi College student Mukeem Khan has sent shock waves through the country. However, this is not an isolated case.

Mukeem's murder is a chilling reminder of the Adnan Patrawala murder in 2007. Adnan was also murdered by three youths who he had befriended on Orkut. The similarities in the two cases are uncanny. Both Mukeem and Adnan were in their teens, their murderers were young and both were killed for ransom. Money appears to be the motive behind both the murders.u00a0u00a0

What is shocking is that the ransom demanded by these young murderers is not small sum. While Mukeem's classmates, who killed him, demanded a ransom of Rs 3 crore, Adnan's abductors had asked for Rs 2 crore.

Can we on basis of what we know about these two murders, arrive at the conclusion that for GenY money is all that matters? Their urge to flaunt money and lead a lavish lifestyle is so strong that they resort to extreme measures to fulfill their desires.

Young India appears to be growing more and more materialistic. Ten years back, crime among youth, especially teenagers, was a rare phenomenon. Today, be it rape, robbery, murder or even terrorist activities, the youngsters are at the helm of criminal activities.

In this fast-paced world, the youth can be easily influenced. In a bid to make quick bucks or earn fame, they tread on the wrong path. But this has to be nipped in the bud. Parents and schools need to closely monitor the activities of their children.

The future of any country lies in the hands of the youth and as of today, our future looks bleak.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

Counsel parents
The tragic death of Mukeem Khan has shocked our city. What makes children commit such heinous crimes, today? Where do they pick up such ideas and fall into their own traps?

Can parents be blamed for their immature acts?

No. Instead of blaming the parents, teenage children should should be counselled. Schools should organise parents' meets, where they can discuss the development of their kids.

With the vast exposure to world occurrences and uncensored access to the Internet, teenagers readily get carried away and in extreme cases like the recent Mukeem murder case or the Adnan Patrawala case in 2007u00a0end up ruining their future.

Teenagers have strong opinions on certain issues like their freedom, their choice of friends, their approach to studies that should be noted by their elders.

Parents and family members must refrain from nagging their children and instead, try to sort out their differences through a healthy discussion.

It is time to help our children make the right decisions by befriending them. If kids have a sense of security at home, untoward incidents can be avoided.