Sun Oct 26 13:30:42 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a news article rewrite:

Summary:

A grievance redressal meeting was held in Mangaluru concerning the low conviction rates in cases registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Dalit activists expressed concerns about the lack of fear among violators due to the low conviction rates. Police officials acknowledged the problem, citing hostile witnesses and complainants as contributing factors. They outlined steps being taken to improve awareness of the Act and ensure closer monitoring of cases. The police also agreed to hold monthly legal awareness programs for Dalit activists. Other issues raised included the need for affordable rates for building materials and the relocation of the District DCRE Cell office.

News Article:

Low Conviction Rates in SC/ST Atrocities Cases Spark Concern in Mangaluru

Mangaluru, October 26, 2025: Concerns have been raised over the alarmingly low conviction rates in cases registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Mangaluru City and Dakshina Kannada. During a SC/ST grievance redressal meeting held today at the Mangaluru Police Commissioner’s office, Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti State Organisation Convenor M. Devadas highlighted the issue, stating that the low conviction rates are failing to deter potential perpetrators.

According to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, only 7 out of 151 cases registered in Mangaluru City between 2015 and 2025 resulted in convictions. In Dakshina Kannada, the numbers are similarly concerning, with only 5 convictions out of 140 registered cases. “The accused seem to have no fear of violations,” Devadas emphasized, urging police to intensify efforts to secure convictions.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Traffic) K. Ravi Shankar acknowledged the problem and cited witnesses and complainants turning hostile as a major obstacle. “We are making our personnel more aware about the Act,” Mr. Shankar stated, “We need support from people in ensuring conviction.”

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) H.N. Mithun, who chaired the meeting, announced that all SC/ST Act cases, after initial registration, will be transferred to the district unit of the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) Cell for investigation, now that the DCRE Cell has been granted police station status by the State government. He also pledged closer monitoring of cases in courts and committed to holding monthly legal awareness programs for Dalit activists, involving the Superintendent of Police, DCRE Cell, and the public prosecutor.

Other issues raised during the meeting included calls for the district administration to regulate prices for laterite stones and sand, making them more affordable, and a request to relocate the District DCRE Cell office to a more accessible location within the Praja Soudha district office complex.

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