Two recent incidents in the city have deeply disturbed me and compelled me to reflect on a troubling question—what is happening to our youth? Why are some of them becoming so insensitive, so impulsive, and at times, so cruel? Is it the lure of instant gratification, the attraction of easy money, or a gradual erosion of values within society? Or is it a growing belief that no one is watching—that parents are disengaged and institutions are indifferent? As a police officer, I find it difficult to accept that today’s youth are unaware of consequences. They are more informed than ever—exposed to crime, law enforcement, and punishment through media and technology. They know that the law will eventually catch up. Yet, despite this awareness, some still choose the path of crime—often brutal and irreversible. The Atharva murder case stands as a grim reminder.

 

Three young individuals, barely in their twenties, committed a crime that not only ended a life but shattered multiple families. What is even more unsettling is that one of the accused lived in close proximity to the victim—highlighting not just violence, but a disturbing absence of empathy. Another incident reflects a similar mindset. Three youths, including an engineering student, chose thrill over responsibility. What began as a reckless plan under the influence of alcohol—to temporarily use a stolen car—escalated into murder. In a moment of false courage and impaired judgment, they crossed a line from which there is no return. Today, they do not stand as students with promise, but as accused in a grave crime. One impulsive decision has destroyed many lives.

 

A pattern is clearly emerging—the pursuit of instant gratification. Many youths today seek quick success, quick money, and immediate pleasure, without patience or perseverance. This impatience, combined with substance abuse, creates a dangerous mix. Under intoxication, a false sense of power and fearlessness emerges. But this is not courage—it is a dangerous illusion. In such a state, emotions override reason. Minor conflicts escalate into violence. Moments of anger turn into life-long consequences.

 

The damage is not distant—it is immediate, affecting their future, their families, and the fabric of society. Early exposure to harmful influences—substance abuse, violent content, excessive screen time, and negative peer groups—further weakens moral judgment. Sensitivity towards right and wrong diminishes, and empathy begins to erode. Equally concerning is the decline in emotional resilience. Many young individuals struggle to process rejection, failure, insult, or frustration. Instead of pausing and reflecting, they react impulsively. This inability to manage emotions often becomes the tipping point between control and catastrophe.

 

This is where the role of parents, teachers, and society becomes critical. Guidance must go beyond academics. Young minds must be trained to handle emotions, to pause before reacting, and to understand the consequences of their actions. Teaching emotional control today can prevent irreversible tragedies tomorrow. At the same time, we must acknowledge a weakening support system. Many parents are over-engaged elsewhere, and schools often prioritise academic outcomes over character building.

 

This creates a vacuum where discipline, values, and accountability should have been instilled. There is also a growing illusion among some youths that they can escape consequences—that no one is watching. But the truth is simple and unchanging: the law will always prevail. Crime is ultimately a choice. Circumstances may influence, but they do not compel. When a young person commits a brutal crime, it reflects a failure at multiple levels—individual, familial, institutional, and societal. As police officers, our duty extends beyond detection and prosecution. It includes prevention through awareness, engagement, and early intervention. This requires coordinated effort—from families, schools, communities, and law enforcement. If we fail to address these root causes now, such incidents will not stop—not because youth are unaware of consequences, but because, somewhere along the way, they have stopped caring about them. The author is Commissioner of Police, Nagpur