Dalits activists raise concern over low conviction rate in atrocity cases

Mangaluru: Dalit activists have expressed serious concern over the low conviction rate in atrocity cases registered in Dakshina Kannada district. The issue was raised during the SC and ST grievances redressal meeting chaired by DCP (law and order) Mithun HN.

M Devadas, state organising convener of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samithi, said the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was enacted to protect marginalised communities from discrimination and violence. "Despite several cases being registered, the conviction rate remains alarmingly low in the district," he said.


Citing RTI data, Devadas said that between 2015 and 2025, 151 cases were registered under the Act within Mangaluru City police limits, of which convictions were secured in only seven cases, while 144 ended in acquittal. In the district police limits, too, the conviction rate was low, he said.

SP Anand attributed the acquittals to threats faced by victims, urging police to build confidence among them. DCP (crime and traffic) K Ravi Shankar observed that many acquittals occur because eyewitnesses turn hostile during trial.

Meanwhile, Devadas also urged police to hold awareness programmes on the Atrocities Act for SC/ST communities. Responding to this, DCP Mithun said awareness sessions on the Act and welfare schemes would soon be organised in collaboration with the social welfare department. The representatives demanded that Lead Bank Manager must also be invited.

The DCP clarified that victims of atrocities can file complaints at any police station, which will then be forwarded to the DCRE police station for investigation, in case they are threatened. Meanwhile, a request was made to relocate DCRE police station to the Old DC Office building for better public access.

Raising another issue, Girish Kumar said the steep rise in the price of laterite stones and sand has hit the poor. He urged the department of mines and geology to fix a price cap. In response, DCP Mithun assured that the matter would be discussed at the next district committee meeting chaired by the DC.

Regarding a complaint of sexual assault that was not registered, the DCP directed the concerned official to file a case immediately. Activists also sought strict action against derogatory social media posts targeting a woman from the SC community linked to the Abhishek Acharya suicide case reported in Karkala. The DCP said the Social Media Monitoring Cell is tracking such content and taking necessary action.

On an issue raised in the previous meeting, it was clarified that allegations of untouchability at Balkunje were not true. Police ensured that the photograph of BR Ambedkar missing from the Balkunje gram panchayat office was displayed the same day the issue was reported.