Karnataka: Not a single rapist convicted in 2 years

Bengalaluru: In what could reflect the abysmal state of convictions in Karnataka, none of the 686 rape cases reported in 2016 and 2017 (till February-end) have led to conviction, as against only 10 in 2015.

The number of rape cases reported in 2015, however, were nearly double that of 2016 at 1,004 cases. In 2014, of the 950 rape cases reported, only 33 led to convictions.

Surprisingly, the conviction rate has come down drastically even after a fast-track court for sexual violence cases was set up in 2013 following the brutal gangrape and murder of a Delhi girl in 2012.

DG&IGP Rupak Kumar Dutta told Deccan Chronicle that the poor state of criminal justice system and delay in delivery of justice have made things worse.
“There are many cases that were detected and chargesheeted, but were delayed at the trial stage. The prolonged delay leads to lesser conviction rates, leaving more chances of the accused getting acquitted as evidence would be diluted by that time and witnesses would be disinterested,” he lamented.

With the poor conviction rate, there is no fear of the law among criminals. Despite significant amendments in criminal laws after the Deli rape case, things remain the same, he said.

Mr Dutta pointed out that a large number of cases are pending trial, while a few are under investigation. In 2016-17 (till February 28), he said, 318 cases are pending trial, 327 are under investigation, while five were discharged.In 2015, the number of cases pending trial are 697, 103 are under investigation and 123 cases were discharged.