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Bengaluru: Close to 3,878 children were sexually misused in 2023 in Karnataka, according to data released by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
Of the 8,929 cases of crime against children recorded in the state in 2023, 43% were recorded under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and 36% were kidnapping and abduction cases. The rate of crimes against children has also increased over the years, with a 22% increase from 2021 to 2023.
Surprisingly, even after a ban and strict surveillance, 128 cases of child labour and 143 cases of child marriage were recorded in the state.
While increase in cases is a concerning trend, police officials noted that many parents tend to settle the matter out of court and hence, the conviction rate was low.
“Since it concerns children and is a sensitive matter, many parents do not want to drag it and go for an out-of-court settlement,” a senior police official said.
Activists working the field also noted that there is a delay in hearing such cases. Though the law mandates that the trial in Pocso cases be completed within a year, it is hardly followed, activists noted.
Crimes against children
2021: 7,261
2022: 7,988
2023: 8,929
Major crimes
Kidnapping & abduction: 3,254
Pocso: 3,878
Police case disposal
Cases reported: 8,929
Pending investigation from previous years: 2,602
Cleared: 9,394
Chargesheeted: 5,581
Court disposal
Cases pending trial from previous years: 18,100
Sent for trial in 2023: 5,581
Cleared by courts: 3,408
Convicted: 531
Acquitted: 2,835