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Decline in cases of atrocities against SCs/STs: Minister

Special Correspondent

"Appointment of case officers has ensured speedy investigation"

JAIPUR: Rajasthan Home Minister Gulab Chand Kataria has affirmed that a recent decision of the State Government to appoint case officers for disposal of mattes relating to Scheduled Castes and Tribes had led to a decline in atrocities against these sections. The case officers posted at police stations ensure speedy investigation and prosecution.

Addressing the 10th meeting of the Inter-State Council in New Delhi over the weekend, Mr. Kataria said the prosecution had filed charge sheets in all cases, except five, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act during 2005. He said the case officers had helped the victims and witnesses depose without fear in courts.

Mr. Kataria said Rajasthan had registered a twofold increase in the convictions under the SC/ST Act following efforts made by the special cells established in 18 districts for speedy investigation and trial. These cells would be set up shortly in the remaining districts, he added.

The Minister said special courts under the SC/ST Act were functioning in 17 districts of the State. There were very few complaints of the first information reports in these cases not being registered as the police authorities has been instructed to be vigilant in this regard, he said.

Mr. Kataria said a 24-hour helpline would be started at the State police headquarters very soon, facilitating the registration of complaints at a toll-free telephone. The complaints will be immediately sent to the respective districts for prompt investigation and action.

While Prime Minister Manmohan Singh presided over the Council's meeting, Rajasthan was represented, among others, by State Chief Secretary Anil Vaish, Additional Chief Secretary A.K. Ahuja, Home Secretary V.S. Singh, and the State's Resident Commissioner in New Delhi, Umesh Kumar.

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