P. Vidhyasagar (Research Scholar)
Tata Institute of Social Science, Mumbai: 400 088, India
Email: [email protected] Tel: 9094466929
R. M. Arivazhagan (Assistant Professor)
Tamil Nadu Open University, Chennai – 600 015, India
Email: [email protected] Tel: 9952943332
Abstract: India is experiencing a rapid increase in its elderly population, projected to reach 20.8% by 2050 and 36% by the end of the century, according to a United Nations Population Fund and International Institute for Population Sciences report. Despite policies such as the 1999 National Policy on Older Persons and the 2007 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, crimes against senior citizens are on the rise. The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) started tracking crimes against seniors in 2014, with a significant increase from 1,841 cases in 2021 to 2,376 in Geriatric homicide, defined as the murder of senior citizens, is of particular concern. Tamil Nadu tops the list with 201 cases in 2022, followed by Maharashtra (198) and Madhya Pradesh (129). This study aims to analyze the magnitude of geriatric homicides in Tamil Nadu, the underlying reasons for such crimes, and the effectiveness of welfare schemes and policies in place. The paper adopts a qualitative, doctrinal approach, examining various reports, statistics, and news sources. The objective is to assess the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government to combat geriatric homicides and provide better protection for its elderly population.
Keywords: Soft Targets, Geriatric Homicides, Senior Citizens, Tamil Nadu Police.