Over 3,000 Pocso cases recorded in Karnataka in 2023: NCRB
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Bengaluru: Karnataka recorded 3,878 cases of sexual offences against children in 2023 under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, according to the latest data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
The figures, cited by Deccan Herald on Friday, highlight a disturbing trend in crimes against children across the state. Of the 8,929 total crimes against children registered in 2023, 43% fell under the POCSO Act, while 36% were related to kidnapping and abduction. The data also revealed a sharp 22% increase in crimes against children between 2021 and 2023.
In a concerning revelation, 128 cases of child labour and 143 instances of child marriage were also reported, despite longstanding bans and monitoring mechanisms in place to curb these practices.
Police officials attributed the low conviction rate in POCSO cases partly to the tendency of families to settle matters out of court. “Since it concerns children and is a sensitive matter, many parents do not want to drag it and go for an out-of-court settlement,” DH quoted a senior police official as saying.
Activists working on child rights mentioned that delays in the judicial process further discourage families from pursuing justice. While the law mandates that trials under the POCSO Act should be completed within a year, this timeline is rarely adhered to, leading to prolonged trauma for victims and delayed justice.
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Cristiano Ronaldo scores his 100th Saudi Pro League goal
Riyadh (AP): Cristiano Ronaldo scored his 100th Saudi Pro League goal as Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 4-2 to move five points clear at the top of the table.
The 41-year-old forward converted a Sadio Mané cross at the near post with 15 minutes remaining to record the 971st goal of his career on Thursday. It was also his 26th league goal of the season.
“Ronaldo is always dangerous going forward and we saw that again today,” Al-Nassr coach Jorge Jesus said.
João Félix, signed from Chelsea in July, scored three goals for the league leaders.
The win took Al-Nassr to 82 points from 32 games, five ahead of Al-Hilal, which has three matches, one more than Nassr, left to play. Al-Hilal meets Al-Kholood on Friday and faces Nassr on Tuesday in what could be a title decider against its Riyadh rival.
“Now we have a derby match against our rival, which is a difficult encounter,” Jesus said.
“We are fully aware of its importance, and we are dealing with it with complete focus as we know that small details could decide the result.”
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d'Or winner, has yet to secure a major trophy in Saudi Arabia since signing with Al-Nassr in December 2022.
