In a determined push to combat crimes against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe SC/STs, the Karnataka government has launched 33 exclusive Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) police stations across the state. The Western Range, which includes Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru, and Uttara Kannada, is now seeing focused efforts to reinforce these units. These regions collectively report 25 to 30 incidents of caste-based offences every month.

Simon C A, Superintendent of Police for the DCRE in Mangaluru, highlighted that their current mission goes beyond merely registering cases. The department is actively working to boost conviction rates through proper investigation, prompt financial relief, and legal assistance to victims. These initiatives are being carried out under the leadership of ADGP Arun Chakravarthy.

Although these specialized police stations are operating with just 60 to 70 percent of their authorized constable strength, there are expectations of appointing additional senior personnel soon. Meanwhile, a daily monitoring system ensures that atrocity case data from every police unit is collected and forwarded to state headquarters in Bengaluru.

With independent authority now granted to DCRE units, the process of handling atrocity cases is more efficient. These stations, once mainly focused on investigating fraudulent caste certificates, now tackle a broader spectrum of crimes under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Moreover, the DCRE teams are working in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department to inform SC/ST communities about their rights and ensure they access necessary government support.