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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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
