Over 19,000 atrocity cases against SCs, STs registered in five years in Gujarat: Congress
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
More than 19,000 cases of alleged atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) have been registered in Gujarat over the past five years, raising concerns over the safety and protection of vulnerable communities, according to figures cited by the Gujarat Congress.
Of these, 13,629 cases relate to atrocities against Dalits, while 3,553 cases involve members of tribal communities. The data suggest that, on average, more than three Dalits face atrocities each day in the state.
The Opposition party alleged that the rising number of cases reflected deterioration in law and order and accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to ensure constitutional rights and security for tribal communities.
Congress leaders claimed that the number of cases involving atrocities against tribal communities has also risen steadily. They said 1,590 new cases concerning tribals were registered in the past five years, while trials in 3,553 cases are currently pending.
According to the party, the conviction rate in cases related to atrocities against Scheduled Tribes has remained below one per cent over the past three years, which it described as “deeply alarming”.
The Congress further alleged that the official data reflect only registered offences, while many incidents go unreported due to fear, social pressure or reluctance to approach the police.
Cases of alleged atrocities against Dalits have been reported from several districts, including Ahmedabad, Banaskantha, Surendranagar, Rajkot, Kutch and Junagadh, party leaders said.
State Congress spokesperson Hiren Banker claimed that while more than 15,000 public awareness programmes on rights have been organised across the country, Gujarat has seen minimal such initiatives in recent years. He alleged that only six awareness programmes were conducted in 2018 and 2019 combined, and none in 2020.
The BJP government has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.
