Nagpur: In an effort to prevent young people from being drawn into criminal activities, Kapil Nagar Police invited 28 children below the age of 18 to the police station on Independence Day and counselled them against associating with criminals.

According to police, the children have no criminal cases registered against them, but have been identified under ‘Group C’ as youngsters who are known to associate or live in the company of individuals involved in criminal activities.

As part of the Independence Day initiative, the children were provided with new white shirts and administered a Drug-Free Campus pledge. Police also counselled them on the dangers of drug abuse and criminal activities and encouraged them to stay away from anti-social elements.

The initiative is aimed at early intervention and preventing vulnerable youngsters from entering a life of crime. Police officials said such counselling and community-oriented programmes are being undertaken to steer children towards a positive and responsible future.

The programme was conducted within the jurisdiction of Kapil Nagar Police Station as part of the Independence Day observance.