Cuttack,20th Nov 2025: The number of cases related to Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is increasing in the state. However, police investigations into these cases are lagging.
As a result, a large number of cases remain pending. This has led to the police failing to secure convictions in court. The conviction rate in SC/ST cases is less than 5%, which is extremely disappointing. To expedite the investigation process and collect necessary evidence against accused persons, the police department is now giving priority to completing investigations within the stipulated time and submitting final reports to the court.
Following the model of independent cyber police stations, the government is planning at the official level to open independent police stations for speedy investigation of SC/ST cases across the state. These stations will be established in districts with the highest number of SC/ST cases.
In the initial phase, the police headquarters has sent a proposal to the Home Department to establish 23 such stations. A senior officer at the police headquarters has stated that the proposal is expected to receive approval very soon. After approval from the Home Department, a government notification will be issued regarding the establishment of these stations.
The incidence of SC/ST crimes and their legal proceedings in the state is concerning. In 2023, a total of 30,358 SC/ST cases were registered in various police stations across the state. Among them, Kendrapara district had the highest with over 260 cases, followed by Jagatsinghpur with 258 and Cuttack with 217. In 2024, over 3,000 cases have already been registered, with Jagatsinghpur reporting the highest at 333 cases, followed by Cuttack at 216 and Puri at 206. In the first 10 months of the current year, over 1,500 cases have been registered, and with the remaining two months, the total is expected to exceed 3,000 cases for the year.
Although the number of cases is increasing, police are failing to complete investigations on time and submit final reports to the courts. Investigating officers’ allotted time limits are being exceeded. In 2023, out of the registered cases, 234 investigations remained incomplete. Similarly, in 2024, 797 cases are still under investigation. In the current year, over 2,000 cases are pending investigation across various police stations.
Earlier, only DSPs or higher-ranking officers were authorized to handle SC/ST case investigations. In September, this rule was revised so that SIs and Inspectors could also be appointed as investigating officers. However, due to investigation delays, police are failing to collect necessary evidence regarding accused persons. Similarly, police oversight of court proceedings is weak. Consequently, in nearly 95% of SC/ST cases, accused persons remain free due to weak investigations.
To strengthen investigations in these sensitive cases and ensure that accused persons are legally prosecuted, the HPC (Human Police Commission) has emphasized the importance of completing investigations within the stipulated time. Once the 23 independent SC/ST police stations are operational, investigations in these cases are expected to be completed within the prescribed time, ensuring successful prosecution by the investigating officers.
Likewise, proposals are also under consideration to open 15 independent SC/ST courts in the state to expedite trial proceedings.
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