Faridabad Nightmare: 14-Year-Old Son Sets Fire To His Own Father!

In a ghastly and deplorable turn of events, a 14-year-old boy is accused of burning his father because he was reprimanded for theft. The horrendous crime was committed on February 18, 2024, in Ajay Nagar Part 2, Faridabad, and appalled society. The victim, Mohammad Aleem, aged 55 years, died of the burn injuries, while the accused, his son, escaped initially but was later caught.

This case highlights the need to address the emotional and psychological needs of children involved in domestic disputes as well as the rising incidence of domestic violence against minors.

The Incident: A Night of Horror

The incident took place at about 2 am when their landlord, Riyazuddin, was suddenly awakened by screams, as per the complaint he made.

The Incident: A Night of Horror

The incident occurred at about 2 am when their landlord, Riyazuddin, was suddenly awoken by the sound of screaming, as per the complaint he lodged. Rushing to find out what was happening, he found that the door to the terrace—where Aleem and his son shared a rented room—was locked. With the assistance of a neighbour, he broke open the door to find a shocking sight:

• The room was engulfed in flames.
• The door was locked from the outside, trapping Aleem inside.
• Despite efforts to rescue him, Aleem succumbed to severe burns before any help could reach him.

Witnesses allege that the boy entered a neighbouring house and left the scene immediately after committing the crime. However, the police traced him later, and he is now under arrest.

Possible Motive: A Fit of Rage

It had been tense between the father and son for some time, police investigations revealed. Aleem had reportedly confronted his son earlier that day on theft charges, suspecting that the teenager had pilfered cash from his pocket. It is suspected that, in a fit of rage, the boy poured an inflammable substance over his father and set him on fire.

Aleem, originally from Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, has lived in Faridabad since September 2023. He makes a living by going around collecting donations for religious institutions and selling insect nets in markets held once a week. His four married children live away from him, and his wife died many years back.

Juvenile Crime and Rising Concerns

This case highlights the rising trend of violent crimes committed by juveniles in India. Though juvenile delinquency has been present forever, recent research indicates an increase in violent and extreme behaviour among minors. As per the National Crime Records Bureau:

• In 2022, over 31,000 cases of juvenile crime were recorded in India.
• Violent crimes, including murder and arson, saw a 5% rise compared to the previous year.
• Many juvenile offenders come from broken families or financially unstable backgrounds.

Psychologists believe that children who grow up in unstable environments without strong parental guidance or emotional support are more prone to aggression, impulsive behaviour, and even criminal tendencies.

Legal Implications: Can a 14-Year-Old Be Tried as an Adult?

Under the Juvenile Justice Act 2015, a child under 16 is usually tried as a juvenile. However, the law allows for exceptions in heinous crimes:

• If a child between 16 and 18 commits a heinous crime, he may be tried as an adult after the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) assesses him.
• Since the accused is only 14, he will likely be tried as a juvenile.
• If he is convicted, he could get three years in a juvenile reform center under Indian law.

Legal experts argue that while rehabilitation is crucial, such extreme acts of violence require stricter measures to ensure justice and prevent further crimes.

Psychological Factors: Understanding the Teen’s Mindset

Why would a teenager do such an abhorrent thing? There are a few psychological and sociological explanations that might be involved:

1. Anger and Impulsivity: Teenagers tend to have trouble managing their emotions, making them more likely to act impulsively.
2. Lack of Emotional Support: Since his mother had passed away and his other siblings were living independently, the teenager must have been emotionally neglected.
3. Sense of Rebellion: The theft charge could have led to an understanding of shame, humiliation, and rebellion, prompting a violent response.
4. Exposure to Violence: If the teenager had witnessed domestic violence or violent behaviour within his surroundings, it could have impacted his response.

Psychologists emphasize that counselling, early intervention, and behavioural therapy are needed in such cases to prevent the escalation of violent behaviour among children.

Societal Impact and Preventive Measures

This unfortunate accident is an eye-opener for families, educators, and policymakers. To avert such incidents, a multi-faceted response is necessary:

1. Strengthening Family Bonds

• Parents must be open when communicating with children to learn about their feelings and problems.
• Severe punishment for minor errors can create resentment instead of discipline.

2. Implementing Conflict Resolution Programs in Schools

• Schools must implement anger management workshops and counselling for students who are in trouble.
• Teachers need to be sensitized to recognize aggressive behaviour and intervene in time.

3. Increasing Awareness About Juvenile Crimes

• Violent child behaviour warning signs should be brought to the attention of society members, parents, and guardians.
• Counselling centres and helplines must be available to young offenders and their families.

4. Stricter Juvenile Justice Measures

• Although rehabilitation is key for severe offences, juveniles should also face harsher legal penalties, according to experts.
• Members of parliament also need to reconsider the Juvenile Justice Act and consider whether younger offenders should have any exceptions made in severe situations.

Conclusion

The horrific accident involving a 14-year-old youth setting his father on fire in Faridabad is a reminder in itself of the tragic emotional distress that obstructs young people today. Even while justice must be done, addressing the underlying causes of such heinous acts of violence is just as crucial.

Juvenile delinquency is increasing, but with the right support systems, psychological counselling, and legal interventions, most of these can be prevented in the future. While society tries to deal with such ghastly occurrences, the question that lingers on everybody’s lips is: Are we doing enough to learn and advise our children before they hit a breaking point?