DCRE special stations should be given additional staff, infrastructure: Forum

Confederation of SCs’ and ST’s Organisations President Lolaksha welcomed government's decision to convert the Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate (DCRE) into 33 special police stations across the state and urged government to provide sufficient staff, officers and basic infrastructure to these special police stations as per the objectives of law.

"Dalit organisations in the state had been demanding that DCRE be granted the status of a police station, which has been fulfilled now," he told mediapersons at a press conference held in Hotel Woodlands. 

According to State DGP’s order, dated January 21, 2025, the proposed personnel for DCRE special police station in DK district comprises one DySP, Inspector (1), SI (1), three Head Constables and seven constables. "Given the high volume of cases in district, whether such limited staffing will be sufficient is a matter of concern," he said.

Lolaksha urged government to increase staffing for DCRE special police station in DK with one DySP, 2 inspectors, four sub inspectors, six head constables (including two women), 20 constables (including five women), two computer operators, at least four police vehicles and a well-equipped police station with sufficient space. The Chief Minister must allocate a supplementary budget. Failure to do so could undermine the purpose of these special police stations, ultimately harming SC/ST communities, he said.

Lolaksha said to register cases of atrocities against SC and ST communities, conduct investigations within a stipulated time frame and submit charge sheets to courts, the government has announced establishment of DCRE special police stations in each district, with two in Bengaluru city, making a total of 33 across the state. DCRE unit had proposed an increase in staffing by 450 personnel of various ranks, adding to the existing 340 posts.

While converting DCRE units into police stations is a commendable step, any lapses in implementation could have severe adverse effects on the lives of SC/ST communities.  Victims of atrocities can file complaints at their local police stations or at the district-level special police station. If a FIR is registered at the local station, it must be immediately transferred to the special police station, Lolaksha added.

Stating that conviction rate in atrocities cases is poor, he said in Mangaluru Police Commissionerate jurisdiction, 127 atrocities cases had been registered under Prevention of Atrocities Act since 2020 till date. Of which, a charge sheet had been filed in 91 cases and 'B' report in 24 cases. Only in two cases, the accused had been convicted. In Puttur and Bantwal subdivision (under SP jurisdiction), a total of 213 cases had been registered since 2020, of which, a charge sheet was filed in 141 cases, 'B' report in 55 cases. Only three cases have seen conviction.

For effective handling of atrocity cases, district-level Atrocity Prevention and Monitoring Committees, headed by Deputy Commissioner, must function as per legal provisions and include individuals with social commitment and concern for the community. But the association has noted discrepancies in composition of the committee and urged district authorities to take corrective measures. DC should convene a meeting of the committee once in three months as per the provisions of act, which was violated in the district. Lolaksha urged officials to strengthen the mechanism established under the Prevention of Atrocities act for the effective implementation of the act.