How Can Police Prevent Atrocities Against the Marginalised?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Caste discrimination remains a significant issue in Karnataka.
- The government is committed to enhancing the performance of DCRB police stations.
- Low conviction rates for atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes need urgent attention.
- Police must uphold social responsibility to foster community safety.
- Justice must be accessible to all citizens, not just the privileged.
Bengaluru, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, emphasized on Saturday that a caste system persists within the state, leading to ongoing caste discrimination against numerous marginalised communities.
He expressed that such incidents should be treated with utmost seriousness, and that measures must be taken to avert any atrocities.
Siddaramaiah delivered these remarks at the Raj Bhavan during the ceremony for the President’s Medal Award, which honored officers from the state’s Home Department for their outstanding contributions.
"The government has set up DCRB (District Crime Records Bureau) police stations in every district. During a recent review meeting, I found the performance of these DCRB stations to be below expectations," Siddaramaiah stated.
"Officials need to prioritize this to achieve the government's aim of ensuring safety for marginalised communities. Compared to other states, Karnataka has a notably low conviction rate for atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The police need to focus on this issue," he added.
The service medals awarded today reflect the dedication, integrity, and diligence of police personnel. Such accomplishments are attainable only when service is conducted with a sense of social responsibility, asserted CM Siddaramaiah.
"Beyond maintaining law and order, it is critical for the police to safeguard the lives and property of citizens. The police play an essential role in fostering peace and harmony throughout the nation. The duty of crime prevention rests with both the government and the police. Implementing precautionary measures can significantly reduce crime rates," Siddaramaiah remarked.
"If police officers embody a sense of social duty, societal peace can be cultivated. The police's role is vital in dismantling social inequalities and upholding the rights guaranteed by the Constitution," he further stated.
"Dr. B.R. Ambedkar articulated that when power is concentrated solely with the privileged, the lives of the marginalized become unbearable. The police must act to prevent atrocities against the underprivileged. Justice should be easily accessible to all citizens. Instead of merely counting police personnel, we must evaluate how many crimes have been successfully prevented," the Karnataka CM concluded.
The award recipients today have achieved remarkable feats and should inspire others. We must seek solutions to the inequalities evident in society. Police officers and staff ought to reflect and aim to enhance their service delivery, Siddaramaiah concluded.