Experts believe that policing alone will not solve the problem. Caste tensions and old rivalries remain a major challenge in these areas.
Bhopal. The increasing incidents of crimes against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Madhya Pradesh have worried the government. The Home Department, after reviewing the situation in the state, found that cases of such crimes are increasing rapidly in more than half of the districts. Consequently, 88 locations in 63 police station areas across 23 districts have been declared sensitive areas. Police will now develop a special strategy to control crime in these areas.
According to the Home Department report, incidents of atrocities against Dalits and tribals have steadily increased in the past few years. Caste disputes, old rivalries, and land disputes, especially in rural areas and small towns, give rise to such incidents. The government has taken this seriously and identified sensitive areas across the state. By issuing a notification, the Superintendents of Police of all the districts have been instructed to maintain special vigilance in these areas and resolve even small disputes immediately. Which areas are sensitive?
The police stations and areas declared sensitive include Kotwali in Mandla district, Kosmi and Bharveli in Balaghat, Kotwali and Ganjbasoda in Vidisha, Shujalpur City and Shujalpur Mandi in Shajapur, Vaydinagar in Mandsaur, rural areas, Itarsi and Kotwali in Narmadapuram, Kotwali in Dhar, Padma Nagar, Mandhata and Pandhana in Khandwa, Simrol in Indore, Kotwali, Station Road, Civil Lines and Bamnor in Morena, rural areas in Bhind, Industrial Area and Piplawa in Dewas, Gorabazar in Jabalpur, Kotwali, Cantt, Vijaypur, Aron and Madhusudangarh in Guna, Sirsod, Dinara, Amola, Indaur, Bhaunti, Pipariya and Shivpur in Shivpuri, Sarani and Amla in Betul, Obaidullaganj in Raisen, Bahodapur, Janakganj, Jhansi Road, University and Thathipur in Gwalior, Cantt, Baheria, Banda and Rahatgarh in Sagar. These include Damoh Kotwali, Chhatarpur Civil Lines, Lavkushnagar and Jujharpur, Tikamgarh Kotwali, Ashoknagar Kotwali, Dehar, and Bahadurpur.
These steps will be taken
According to the Home Department’s notification, steps such as establishing police outposts, community awareness campaigns, and resolving old disputes will now be taken in areas declared sensitive. Police forces have been instructed to take immediate action upon receiving complaints of any incident and assure victims of safety. Furthermore, efforts will be made to build mutual trust by increasing communication with organizations associated with Dalit and tribal communities.
Action under the SC/ST Act
The state government has also clarified that sensitive areas have been identified under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. This Act provides for the protection of victims’ rights, prompt investigation, and strict punishment for the perpetrators. The Home Department states that this step will not only reduce crime but will also reassure Dalit and tribal communities that the administration is committed to their safety.
The Challenge of Social Harmony
Experts believe that policing alone will not solve the problem. Caste tensions and old rivalries remain a major challenge in these areas. Therefore, community-based initiatives and the promotion of social harmony are also essential. The government has indicated that in the future, peace committees will also be activated in these sensitive areas to prevent minor disputes from escalating into major crimes.
What is the SC-ST Atrocities Prevention Act, 1989
Under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, physical assault on Dalits and Adivasis, caste-based insults, land grabbing, forced labor, or social boycott are considered crimes. These cases are investigated by DSP-rank officers, and special courts have been established for speedy trials.
This law provides for imprisonment ranging from 6 months to 5 years and a fine for convictions, while serious crimes such as murder, rape, or mass violence can result in up to life imprisonment. Most offenses under the Act are non-bailable, and victims are provided compensation, legal aid, and protection.
Ankit Pachauri
Courtesy: Hindi News