Among the arrestees were Amir Lama, Naresh Shahi, Sandesh Tamang, Nabsan Maharjan and Aman Jaiswal, all below the age of 19.

On April 1, 13-year-old Saras Maharjan was badly beaten up by a gang at Balambu-4 and succumbed to injuries a day later. Police arrested six suspects-five teenagers and a 21-year-old boy-in connection with the incident.

Police data shows people aged 16 to 25 are involved in at least around 50 percent of crimes reported across the country. These crimes range from murder, assault to theft, robbery and sexual molestation or rape.

The National Investigation Department of Nepal Police had conducted a random sampling on the occurrence and age group of people involved in crime. The results showed that among the sample population of 2590 people involved in crime 2011/12, 56 percent belonged to 16-25 age group. In 2013/14, 48 percent of people involved in crime belonged to the age group.

Deputy Inspector General of Police Surendra Shah said their analysis shows that lack of patience and endurance, ego clashes and rivalry in petty issues, monetary matters and sex were the major reasons for this age group to commit crimes.

According to a Home Ministry report, the number of drug users has doubled in the past six years and more than two-thirds of users are below the age of 30.

Dr Meeta Rana, clinical psychologist at the Institute of Medicine, said the prevalence of neurotic disorder among people from this age group is much higher resulting in anxiety, stress at work or college.

“We see clients of this age group having similar problems on a daily basis,” Dr Rana said.