There is only a marginal increase in the crimes against Dalits and Tribals in the Southern states as per the data released by the National Crimes Record Bureau. However, this flies in the face of claims documented by rights groups and civil society organisations. Yet, the states can take pride in containing atrocities against these vulnerable social groups.
According to NCRB, Uttar Pradesh has the notoriety of being on top with 18.4 per cent of the total crimes against SC/ST. It accounted for 6,202 cases out of a total 33,655 cases, followed by Rajasthan which reported 22.8 per cent of the total crimes reported as its share was 1,351 out of 5,922, in the year 2012. But, the latter has the dubious distinction of being the highest perpetrator with a rate of 45.5 as against the national average of 16.7.
Kerala retains the third slot when it comes to crime against the Tribals with 25.6 per cent as against the national average of 5.7 per cent.
Among the southern states, it is closely followed by Andhra Pradesh with 1,078 cases with a chargesheeting rate of 90.6 per cent whereas TN, with 47 cases has a rate of 100 per cent. Karnataka follows suit with 478 cases and 97 per cent. But, it should be noted here that this is not the conviction or acquittal rate.
