CM tells officials to file chargesheet within stipulated time in Atrocities Act cases in Karnataka

Urging police officials to file chargesheets in cases registered under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, within the stipulated 60 days time, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that a chargesheet has been filed in courts only in 63% of the total cases registered.

“A total of 6,635 cases have been filed since 2023, and chargesheet has been filed in 4,912 cases so far. Of the total chargesheet filed, in only 4,149 cases chargesheet has been filed within 60 days,” he noted on August 25 during a meeting of the State-level review and monitoring committee. “In the last six months, in only 84% of the cases, chargesheet has been filed in courts within 60 days,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that conviction has taken place only in 36 cases while 679 cases are in investigation stage. Seeking year-wise data in older cases, he asked, “What is the fate of older cases?”

He directed the police to ensure that the stay orders from courts in 56 cases are removed. “Eleven fast track courts have been established to try the atrocities cases in the State. Police have to work towards hastening of the cases to ensure justice to the victims. Currently, the conviction rate is about 10%. Strict action has to be initiated against police officials who try to connive with the accused.”

He promised to enhance the medical compensation to victims who suffer disability in atrocities cases.

In cases of fake caste certificates, he asked officials the reason for delay in implementing the decision of the courts despite favourable orders.

“In as many as 170 cases, fake certificates have been proved in courts. Action should be taken in these cases. Efforts have to be initiated in such cases to start recovery process if it is found that government benefits have been availed using fake certificates. There is a need to coordinate between departments to implement this. A comprehensive report has to be provided on this. Efforts should be made to fill up vacancies, if any, in 33 DCRE police stations across the State.”

Observing that the trend of counter complaints being filed is on the rise, the Chief Minister said that officials have to visit the spot to verify the truth before filing an FIR.

Rehabilitation package for Devadasis

The State Government will unveil a rehabilitation package for the Devadasis in Karnataka that is aimed at removing the evil system. He said that survey work is underway and the rehabilitation package will be announced after the findings of the survey are known.

“We will also consider providing special financial aid.”