Recently, many crimes have been reported in Kerala from the city of Kochi. Along with the bad reputation of being a drug hub, the metro city is once again facing shame due to such crimes. Why are such crimes increasing in Kochi? How did Kochi's name get tarnished?

KOCHI: Unheard-of things have been happening in Kochi for some time now. The last one was when a girl gave birth at home without anyone's knowledge, killed the baby and threw the body on the road and another girl giving birth in the toilet of the hostel room. Murders are also frequent.

Growing Kochi, changing crimes

Kochi has a tradition of welcoming asylum seekers with open arms. This is the foundation of the growth seen today. When the growth of commercial cities in the country was at a rapid pace, Kochi also boomed like Mumbai, the 'gateway' of India. In the shadow of development, small and large underworlds entered uninvited. Ports, airports and busy railway stations developed fast. Like Mumbai, Kochi has been an employment hub for ages.

Thronging corporate companies, the glamorous world of film industry, fashion business, real estate and builders' land, big malls, shopping streets, modern art cafes, entertainment centers and five-star pubs all gave way to the flow of people from within and outside the state to Kochi, where most of the migrant workers work. Untimely work in IT firms, high salaries, living together and freedom make the youth easy prey for temptations.

Drug mafia is the headache of Kochi. All those caught in the recently registered cases are victims of drug mafias. Latest synthetic drugs are available here. Foreigners and young women work as carriers. Sexual exploitation cases where drugs are involved are also numerous. Parties with famous foreign DJs are regularly held in hotels in Kochi. Abortion cases also continue to happen, only the outside world does not know about it. Distance in human relations in the digital age is also a part of urban life.

Drug mafia or old quotation group

Quotation gangs in Kochi are now more interested in drug deals now. Through this, they get a handful of money. Four powerful drug mafias control every deal in Kochi. The police have made multiple attempts to curb them, but they have not been able to cut their roots

"Mental health is not given much importance by anyone. When drug and alcohol use happens, the mindset of the youth will be changed completely. Most of the youth criminals are born through such situations. Adults and the government should deal with the youth with a broader perspective."

Dr. SD Singh

Mental health specialist