16-year-old accused of second murder to stand trial as adult: Delhi court orders
The Juvenile Justice Board in Delhi has ordered that a 16-year-old boy, facing trial for a second murder, be tried as an adult. The order was passed on Saturday by Principal Magistrate Sahil Khurmi, following an application by the police, officials said on Sunday.
The minor was arrested in connection with the stabbing of a 22-year-old man in Shakarpur Market on December 7, 2025. The victim later died in hospital, leading to the registration of a murder case. During the investigation, police discovered that the juvenile was already facing trial for a murder committed in 2024.
Inspector Manoj Mudgal, the investigating officer from Shakarpur police station, moved the application for trying the minor as an adult under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East) Rajeev Kumar said the investigation established the grave nature of the offences and relied on substantial scientific, electronic, and documentary evidence.
The police presented evidence showing that the juvenile had displayed the victim's body in public, influenced adults to commit criminal acts, and showed no remorse for killing. His aim to become a 'gangster' was also taken into account. The board carefully considered these factors before ruling that he be tried as an adult.
The Juvenile Justice Act allows for minors aged 16-18 to be tried as adults for heinous crimes, provided an assessment by the board finds them mentally and physically capable of committing the offence. The police said the order resulted from a meticulous, scientific, and legally robust investigation.
