Belagavi district is witnessing a worrisome rise in cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. Despite increasing awareness and reporting, convictions remain staggeringly low, raising serious concerns about justice delivery and deterrence.

On average, 12 to 15 Pocso cases are filed in Belagavi each month, with at least four from the city. Police data shows that from January 2023 to June 10, 2025, a total of 434 cases were registered—157 in 2023, 180 in 2024, and 97 in the first half of 2025 across both district and city police limits. This reflects a 15–16% year-on-year increase.

Statewide, Bengaluru leads in Pocso case registrations, followed by Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Tumkur, and Shivamogga, with Belagavi ranking sixth.

However, the conviction rates paint a grim picture. In 2024, only 12 offenders were convicted for cases registered between 2015 and 2024. In 2025, so far, only 9 convictions have been recorded. Of the 157 cases filed in 2023, only 5 have led to convictions. For 2024’s 180 cases, just 2 convictions have occurred. Most 2025 cases are still under trial or investigation.

Legal experts cite several reasons for low convictions: false allegations, flawed chargesheets, fear of powerful perpetrators, victim families withdrawing complaints, and lack of proper investigation. Cases involving relatives as perpetrators often go unprosecuted due to emotional and social pressure.

This worrying gap between registration and justice not only undermines victims but may also embolden offenders.