V.S. Ugrappa, Chairman of the Karnataka Legislature Subcommittee on Prevention of Violence and Sexual Abuse of Women and Children, has expressed concern over the low rate of conviction in cases of violence and atrocities on women and children.
“Going by the number of cases of rape, dowry harassment, dowry deaths, and sexual abuse cases against children reported in the district, the low rate of conviction is a matter of concern. The police say that the witnesses turn hostile leading to the acquittal of the accused and they do not prefer an appeal with the prosecution saying that it was not a fit case. The subcommittee will view the issue seriously,” he told presspersons here on Monday.
Mr. Ugrappa, along with other members of the committee, including K.B. Shanappa, Jaymala, Vasundhara Bhupati, N. Prabha, Jija Harisingh and Jyoti, was here to review cases of violence and sexual abuse against women and children reported in the district and the follow-up action.
To a question, Mr. Urgappa said that the committee had made similar observations after their visits to other districts.
“It appears that the police, by and large, have not understood the provisions of the law properly. It is also clear that there is lack of coordination between the police and the prosecution. I have asked the officials to submit a detailed report based on which the committee will come to an opinion on making recommendations to ensure that the accused in heinous crimes are convicted,” he said. Mr. Ugrappa said that the committee had circulated a draft of the interim report and it would be submitted to the government soon. “We are still collecting required information and so far we have completed the tour of a few districts. It may take some more time to submit the final report,” he added.
