Siddaramaiah orders action in fake caste certificate cases

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddarmaiah on Monday directed officials to initiate immediate action in 170 cases of fake caste certificates. Chairing the SC/ST vigilance committee meeting, the CM explained that government facilities should be withdrawn in all cases where people have obtained them by providing fake caste certificates. 

“There should be a consensus in this regard amongst different departments. A comprehensive report should be submitted.”

The chief minister’s statement comes just weeks after the Justice Nagamohan Das Commission’s report on internal reservation had recommended removing 1.77 lakh people registered as Beda Jangamas after observing an “artificial” growth in their population.

 The population of Beda Jangamas, which was 1,17,426 during the 2011 census, rose to 3,22,049 in 2025. Since estimates indicated the current projections to be around 1.44 lakh, the remaining 1.77 lakh people were recommended to be removed. 

Only 63% cases chargesheeted

The chief minister also expressed disappointment that charge sheets had been filed within 60 days in only 63% of the overall SC/ST atrocity cases.

As per data from the Social Welfare Department, charge sheets have been submitted in 4,912 (74%)  of 6,635 cases. However, in only 4,149 (63%) cases, the charge sheets were filed within the stipulated 60-day period.

“It has been directed to submit charge sheets within 60 days in atrocity cases against SC/ST persons. However, in only 84% (4,149/4,912) cases, the charge sheets have been filed within 60 days. Steps should be taken to ensure that charge sheets are compulsorily filed within the 60 days in all 100% cases,” the chief minister said.

After 33 police stations were operationalised under the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE), the directorate is investigating SC/ST atrocity cases lodged in other stations. Of the 413 such cases, the DCRE has taken over investigation in 300 cases. As many as 35 of these have been charge-sheeted, while investigation is still pending in 365 cases. 

Noting that 11 special courts had been set up to deal with the atrocity cases, Siddaramaiah said that a proper inquiry should be conducted to ensure speedy dispensation of justice.

According to SWD data, 2,593 cases are pending before these 11 special courts.

Siddaramaiah expressed disappointment that the conviction rate was merely 10% in atrocity cases. However, the conviction rate increased from 6% in 2024.

“If police are found to be hand-in-glove with the accused, strict measures will be initiated,” Siddaramaiah added.

The chief minister also assured that the government would consider increasing the medical compensation provided in atrocity cases that result in physical handicaps.