Mon Mar 03 14:01:45 UTC 2025: ## Kerala CM Links Rise in Juvenile Crime to Glorification of Violence in Media

**Thiruvananthapuram, March 3, 2025** – Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has attributed the recent surge in juvenile crime and drug abuse to the portrayal of violence in films and television serials. Speaking in the State Assembly on Monday, he expressed concern over the increasing tendency towards violence among young people, noting that many productions depict violent characters as heroes. This, he argued, leads children to believe that aggression is a source of value and power.

The Assembly discussion, prompted by an adjournment motion from Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala following several high-profile incidents, including the murder of a 15-year-old student, focused on the need for a comprehensive strategy to address the issue. The Chief Minister announced the government’s intention to develop an action plan in consultation with various stakeholders, including youth organizations, media professionals, and educators.

The Opposition, however, criticized the government’s handling of the drug menace, alleging inaction against the drug mafia and accusing the ruling LDF of providing political patronage to criminal elements. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan called for a more robust approach, suggesting the appointment of high-ranking officers to investigate the drug trade and a reallocation of awareness programs to educational departments.

Chief Minister Vijayan countered these accusations, highlighting Kerala’s high conviction rate (98.19%) in narcotics cases, significantly exceeding the national average of 78.1%. He cited the number of convictions under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS) in 2023 and 2024 as evidence of the state’s effectiveness in law enforcement. Following the debate, the Opposition withdrew its adjournment motion.

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