Koppal: The number of cases of atrocities against Dalit and backward castes has almost doubled in the district in the last one year, as per the latest statistics released by the district social welfare department.
Compared with last year, the number of cases has gone up by about 100 per cent. According to the data released by the department, a total of 14 atrocity cases were registered in the year 2012. However, the number of such cases has gone up to 27 till November 2013.
In 2012, the number of victims was 22 and a compensation of '6.35 lakh was given to them. The number of victims in atrocity cases registered in 2013 has reached 92 and '15.25 lakh has been disbursed as compensation.
Although the data suggests a steep rise in the number of cases registered as well as the number of victims, social welfare department district officer Shubha begged to differ. According to her, the number of cases has not increased and it remains same as it was in 2012. She, however, conceded that the number of victims has increased.
When asked about the increase in the atrocities against Dalit and backward castes, she dodged the question. Surprisingly this year the district has not organised the mandatory awareness programme about Prevention of Atrocities Act.
