13% of all FIRs in Himachal registered under SC/ST Act: NCRB data 2023

In 2023, out of the 229 FIRs, 204 were registered under the Prevention of Atrocities Act, while 25 were registered in conjunction with various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Of the 204 standalone cases, 116 fell under the category of “intentionally insulting or intimidating with intent to humiliate,” shows the NCRB data.

The report highlights disturbing instances, including two where victims were prevented from using public places and one case where a victim was forced to vacate their residence and was socially boycotted.

As per the NCRB report, the cases registered along with sections of IPC included for murder (two); attempt to murder (one); assault on women with intent to outrage her modesty (nine); stalking (three); kidnapping/abduction (one); rape of women (seven) and rape of children under POCSO Act (two).

In absolute numbers, seven cases were registered in 2023 under Prevention of Atrocities Act against people belonging to Scheduled Tribe (ST), compared to four in 2022, and seven in 2021. As per the NCRB, the chargesheet ratio wherein suspects booked or arrested in the cases of atrocities against SC people was recorded 61 percent in 2023.

Expressing concern over the NCRB report, member of Himachal Pradesh Scheduled Caste Commission, Vijay Dogra, said, “The numbers are alarming. There are certain areas, especially the upper reaches in districts including Shimla, Sirmour, Kullu and Mandi, where casteism is still prevalent”.

From the homepage

‘Pakistan will have to consider if it wants to remain part of globe’: Army Chief warns against testing India’s resolve

‘Leader vanished, no remorse, it shows his and party’s mental state’: Madras High Court tears into Vijay’s TVK, faults govt leniency

Several dead in PoK unrest: The protesters’ demands, how Pakistan govt responded