Dowry deaths drop sharply in Karnataka: Report
Bengaluru: Dowry deaths in Karnataka have declined sharply since 2023, Deccan Herald reported, citing official data. The number fell from 158 in 2023 to 112 in 2024 — a 30% drop — and further to 48 in the first five months of 2025.
Crimes against women under various sections have also seen a slight decrease. Director General and Inspector General of Police M.A. Saleem attributed the drop to stricter law enforcement and faster case closures. "We have ensured strict action against the offenders and closed the cases within 60 days. Hence, the cases are on a decline," DH quoted him as saying.
Another senior officer said increased awareness among women has encouraged more to report harassment, helping prevent deaths. Dowry harassment cases, however, fell only marginally from 2,960 in 2023 to 2,912 in 2024.
"If we observe, the number of dowry harassment cases has not come down significantly compared to deaths. This shows that more women are approaching the police against such harassment and we have been able to prevent deaths," the officer explained.
However, women’s rights activists believe dowry harassment remains widespread in Karnataka. K.S. Vimala of the Janavaadi Mahila Sanghatane said economic vulnerability and social stigma discourage many women from filing complaints, leading to under-reporting. “If they come out and complain against their families, they have no place else to go. In many other cases, women think it it brings shame to the family," DH quoted Vimala as saying.
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Power tariffs under BESCOM to rise from May 1
Bengaluru (PTI): Power bills for consumers under the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM) will go up from May 1, following an order issued by the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) on Friday.
The hike comes after KERC allowed the BESCOM to recover a revenue deficit of Rs 2,068 crore incurred in 2024-25, from the consumers.
As a result, for every unit of electricity consumed in 2024-25, the customers will be charged an additional 56 paise, it said.
"BESCOM shall calculate, for each of the active consumers of FY2024-25 the amount to be recovered based on their actual energy consumption during FY2024-25. Such amount shall be recovered during FY 2026-27 in equal monthly instalments, to be called as 'FY25 True up Charges', commencing from the first meter reading date falling on or after 1 May 2026 and concluding with the reading date ending on 30 April 2027," the order said.
"It is further ordered that BESCOM shall maintain a separate head of account, allocated for the purpose, to record the adjustment of the said amount to ensure full recovery of the deficit," it added.
Similarly Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Corporation Limited (CESC) has also recorded a revenue deficit of Rs 121.71 crore and can collect an additional 15 paisa per unit for consumption in 2024-25, official sources said.
