Karnataka sees 65% surge in offences related to religion over four years: Report
Bengaluru: In a troubling development, Karnataka has recorded a sharp rise in offences linked to religion, with cases surging by nearly 65% over the past four years.
Data from the State Crime Records Bureau (SCRB), cited by The New Indian Express on Thursday, reveals that such incidents rose from 208 in 2021 to 345 in 2024.
As of May this year alone, 123 religion-related cases were registered across the state. Communal and religious riots have also seen a steep increase—jumping by over 133%, from 9 incidents in 2021 to 21 in 2024.
Experts attribute the spike to a combination of misinformation spread through social media, a politically polarised environment, and entrenched religious and caste-based tensions in specific districts. Despite government initiatives such as the creation of an anti-communal wing and a special action force, these measures have shown little tangible impact on the ground, added the report.
A serving police commissioner in the state quoted by TNIE cited several institutional shortcomings. “The police have failed to take preventive actions, such as arresting the accused or invoking the Goonda Act against troublemakers,” the commissioner said.
The commissioner also alleged inconsistencies in enforcement, claiming that arrests are often swift when common citizens are involved, but delayed if the accused are politically connected. “If any religious or communal issue arises, there is often direct political party backing on both sides. Political patronage for communal offenders, regardless of which party is in power, is not a new phenomenon in the state,” the officer noted.
Another senior IPS officer serving as a Superintendent of Police in a district echoed similar concerns, adding that a deep sense of communal hatred has taken root in society. “People are increasingly intolerant, even toward minor mischief by members of other communities,” TNIE quoted him as saying. The officer lamented that low conviction rates allow many offenders to evade justice, encouraging repeat offences.
Previously, communal incidents were often confined to specific areas, but social media has significantly widened their reach. The police, however, are stepping up efforts to curb the spread of communal content online and are engaging in community outreach programmes to improve the intelligence network with local leaders, the report added.
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Karnataka bags second rank in implementing Central crop Insurance scheme
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka government on Sunday said the Union agriculture ministry has awarded it a Certificate of Commendation for securing second rank among 'large states' in the overall performance in implementing PMFBY, a Central Crop Insurance Scheme.
The Chief Minister's Office shared the certificate issued by Muktanand Agrawal, Chief Executive Officer, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) dated January 14.
According to the certificate, Karnataka achieved the second position for its performance during the Kharif 2024 and Rabi 2024-25 seasons.
The ministry appreciated the efforts of the State Government and its team of officers for the effective implementation of the crop insurance scheme, which aims to provide financial protection to farmers against crop losses.
The PMFBY is a Central flagship scheme designed to support farmers by ensuring timely compensation for crop damage due to natural calamities, pests and diseases, while also encouraging the adoption of modern agricultural practices.
