Majority of Caste Atrocity Cases Concentrated in 13 States: Government Report

A new government report reveals that 97.7% of cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 98.91% against Scheduled Tribes (STs) in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reporting the highest numbers. The report also highlights declining conviction rates, pending investigations, and the need for more special courts and police stations to handle these cases.

A new government report reveals that 97.7% of all cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) in 2022 were concentrated in 13 states, with Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh recording the highest numbers. The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act reported similar trends for atrocities against Scheduled Tribes (STs), with 98.91% of all cases also concentrated in these states.

The report highlighted that Uttar Pradesh accounted for 23.78% of total cases against SCs with 12,287 incidents, followed by Rajasthan with 8,651 (16.75%) and Madhya Pradesh with 7,732 (14.97%). Additionally, the majority of cases concentrated in six states, representing nearly 81% of the total cases.

Similarly, for STs, Madhya Pradesh saw the highest number with 2,979 cases (30.61%), followed by Rajasthan at 2,498 (25.66%) and Odisha with 773 (7.94%). Concerns were raised about the declining conviction rates, the high proportion of pending investigations, and the insufficient number of special courts in districts prone to such atrocities. The report called for targeted interventions to curb caste-based violence and ensure stronger protection for vulnerable communities.

(With inputs from agencies.)