Delhi Police Commissioner Orders Strict Monitoring of Social Media to Identify Gangs Exploiting Minors

New Delhi: The Delhi Police have intensified action against gangs operating in the capital and NCR that target minors for criminal activities. Delhi Police Commissioner Satish Golcha chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the identification of such gangs and the enforcement of stringent measures against them.

The meeting, held at Delhi Police Headquarters on Thursday, focused on inter-state coordination with senior police officers from various states and officials from central intelligence and enforcement agencies, especially in light of Republic Day security arrangements.

High-Level Participation

Special CP (Crime) Devesh Chandra Srivastava stated that several senior officials attended the meeting, including Special CPs for Traffic, Law and Order, Special Enforcement, Intelligence, and Security, along with Joint CPs and DCPs from districts and units across Delhi.

Focus on Modern Technology and Social Media

Commissioner Golcha emphasized strict action against gangsters running cybercrime networks, drum networks, and organized crime syndicates, some of which operate internationally using modern technology. He stressed the need for rigorous monitoring of social media platforms, which are increasingly used to influence and recruit minors into criminal gangs. The meeting highlighted the identification of gangs that coerce minors to commit crimes, often exploiting their impressionable age.

Anti-Terror Measures Also Discussed

The meeting also covered counter-terrorism measures, including intelligence sharing between states and central agencies, border checks, verification of suspicious individuals, and surveillance of open spaces using drones and paragliders. Officials were instructed to proactively share information on suspected elements and stolen vehicles across states.

Rising Involvement of Minors in Crime

Data from the Delhi Police indicates a growing involvement of minors in serious crimes. As of 30 August 2025, 191 minors were apprehended in murder cases, 101 in rape cases, and 268 in robbery and dacoity cases. Social media plays a crucial role in luring minors into criminal activities.

Gangsters often exploit minors’ fascination with social media fame. Many youths post “daring” videos on reels to gain popularity, which gangsters use to recruit them into criminal networks. These gangs provide minors with drugs, weapons, and money, coercing them into committing serious offenses. Minors are also exploited because of the perception of lighter sentencing and quicker bail.

Commissioner Golcha reiterated that coordinated vigilance, social media monitoring, and strict action against exploitative gangs are essential to curb the rising trend of juvenile involvement in crime.