Sunil Lohan
Mohan Kumar Danappa,Member of the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (SPCA),has written to the Principal Secretary,Social Welfare Department,raising concerns over the delay in appointing Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) to several police stations under the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).
In his letter dated December 20,2025,Danappa referred to a government notification issued on December 6, 2024,which designated DCRE units under the Social Welfare Department as special police stations to investigate cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes,as well as cases involving fake caste certificates.
Following the notification,33 DCRE police stations were established across the state.
However,Danappa noted that only 12 DySPs have been appointed so far,leaving 21 units without DySP-level officers.
As a result,investigations into cases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act are reportedly being handled by Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) and Police Inspectors (PIs), instead of officers of the mandated DySP rank.
He stated that the absence of DySPs and adequate staff has hampered effective investigation and timely disposal of cases.
The Additional Director General of Police (DCRE) had earlier submitted a request to the Social Welfare Department seeking the appointment of DySPs and other required personnel, but no action has reportedly been taken so far.
Danappa also pointed out that Dalit organisations and social activists have expressed dissatisfaction over the delay and have warned of statewide protests.Media reports and social media posts have highlighted the issue,casting the government in a negative light.
Urging immediate action,the SPCA member called on the Social Welfare Department to expedite the appointment of DySPs and necessary staff to ensure proper investigation and swift disposal of cases registered at all Civil Rights Enforcement police stations across Karnataka.
