Business · India Bureau
Dalit groups demand police action over victim complaints in Karnataka
A coalition of Dalit organisations staged a protest march in Dharwad, Karnataka, demanding action against police officials accused of filing complaints against atrocity victims. The demonstration highlights ongoing concerns over police conduct in handling cases involving marginalised communities.
LSN India ·
Dalit activists marched from Kalabhavan to the office of the Superintendent of Police in Dharwad on Wednesday to press their demands for accountability in handling atrocity cases. The protest, organised by multiple Dalit organisations, focused on allegations that police officials have filed counter-complaints against victims who reported crimes, effectively reversing the victim-perpetrator narrative.
The organisations claimed that such tactics are used to intimidate victims and discourage them from pursuing justice. They contend that complaints filed by officials against those reporting atrocities have compromised investigations and deterred communities from coming forward with grievances.
The protesters called for departmental action against implicated officers and sought assurance that police would not file complaints against victims of atrocities. The demonstration reflects persistent tensions between law enforcement agencies and Dalit communities over the handling of caste-based violence and discrimination cases in the state.
Local authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations raised during the protest.