Pocso cases in Karnataka surge by 26% in two years, raising alarms over child safety
Bengaluru: In a concerning trend, the number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act in Karnataka has surged by nearly 26% over the past two years, signalling an alarming rise in child abuse incidents.
Data presented in the Legislative Council, as cited by Deccan Herald on Tuesday, reveals a disturbing escalation in cases from 3,209 in 2022 to 4,064 in 2024. The current year shows no signs of easing, with 2,544 cases recorded as of mid-2025.
Despite the increase in reported cases, the conviction rate remains worryingly low. Nearly one-third of Pocso cases, or even more, end in acquittals.
The low convictions were mostly due to reluctance by parents to pursue cases. “Since children are involved, many parents do not wish to pursue the case for long or reveal identities. Many opt to settle it outside the court and go for a compromise. Hence, the conviction rate could be low,” DH quoted Nagannagowda, chairperson, Karnataka State Commission for Protection of Child Rights, as saying.
He further elaborated that to combat this, the state has set up dedicated teams, including counsellors at the district level, who provide victims and their families with legal support and counselling to ensure justice is pursued.
A senior police officer also pointed out that in some instances, the accused are family members, leading to additional pressure on the parents to withdraw the case.
In response to the growing concerns, Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the Karnataka Legislative Council that the government has implemented a range of measures to prevent child sexual abuse and raise awareness. These initiatives include educating children on identifying “good touch” versus “bad touch,” encouraging the installation of CCTV cameras in playgrounds and parks, and promoting awareness of the Pocso Act among children, parents, and teachers.
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Couple, son 'hacked' to death over witchcraft suspicion in Jharkhand's Palamu
Medininagar (PTI): A couple and their 18-year-old son were allegedly hacked to death over suspicion of practising witchcraft in Jharkhand's Palamu, police said on Sunday.
Their minor daughter was also injured in the attack late on Saturday, a police officer said.
The bodies were recovered from their house on Sunday in Panki police station area, he said.
“Initial investigation suggests that the case is related to witchcraft suspicion,” Manoj Kumar Jha, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Lesliganj told PTI.
A manhunt is on to nab the culprits, Jha said.
The girl suffered severe injuries and has been admitted to a government hospital, he said.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay Bhuiyan (45), his wife Kalia Devi (40), and their son Chotu Bhuiyan.
The bodies have been sent to Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) for post-mortem examination.
