A thirteen-year-old boy is facing charges relating to the murder of Henderson Dairy owner Arun Kumar (Indian Newslink, June 15, 2014), while his 12-year-old friend is also facing charges of manslaughter and aggravated robbery.
The murder of a man who loved peace and quiet outraged the entire country and people from all ethnic groups have condemned the incident, and more importantly, questioned the families of these young men. There have been debates about parental responsibility but in the case of the accused boys, their parents are also reported to be either in jail or facing criminal charges.
Crime is a terrible thing. It maddens a society, saddens families and friends, and makes us question as to whether we as parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters and elders have failed to bring up children on the right path. In this case, three lives would be wasted in reality. One has already gone forever and two others would be in disarray.
Tougher laws
Indian associations and groups have rightly expressed concern over the number of lives lost over the years, just because someone not in the right mind wanted to help himself to free alcohol or cigarettes. They have called on dispensers of justice to award tougher sentences and demanded lawmakers to revise the existing criminal code and ensure that offenders complete their full term in prison.
While the anger and frustration of people is understandable, there is a need to address the larger issues that concern our young offenders. In this specific case, the accused killer is not even a teenager. It is unfortunate that he and his younger friend were perpetrators of this terrible tragedy. They have been brought to justice and would certainly face the consequences of their action.
Rehabilitating offenders
However, in the larger context of our communities and the society, we should ask ourselves the question, “How can we rehabilitate such young offenders and how their parents and members of the immediate family can be held accountable.
Every dysfunctional family would have a horror tale and unpleasant experience. It is up to us as a civilised society to bring orderliness in such families and more importantly in the lives of young offenders.
New Zealand has a fine history of justice and jurisprudence, with a penchant for reforming offenders and sending them back to the society as reformed persons, capable of gainful employment. The objective is to turn their dark side into one positive thinking and good behaviour.
That is the only way in which a society and therefore a country can grow.
New Programme
As a part of its efforts to reduce crime and improve public safety, the Government enforced the ‘Children, Young Persons and their Families (Youth Courts Jurisdiction and Orders) Amendment Act’ on October 1, 2010. The Government also introduced the ‘Fresh Start’ reforms, enabling the Justice Ministry and the Youth Courts to work more intensively with young offenders longer. With the help of this more sustained support, they have a better chance of getting their lives on track.
The reforms include tougher, more effective sentences for persistent and serious offenders including longer residential stays and increased supervision requirements. They also empower the Youth Court to order parenting, mentoring and drug and alcohol programmes.
Communities should get together and assist law enforcement agencies to not only in discharging their responsibilities but also in rehabilitating most, if not all offenders.
Reforming young offenders and making them responsible citizens is the greatest tribute that we can pay to good people like Arun Kumar.
