Dalits warned against misuse of atrocity law, false complaints

Mangalore, Sep 1: Those who file fake complaints among SC/ST communities will face stringent action in future, warned Deputy Commissioner of Police K V Jagadish.

He was chairing the SC/ST monthly grievances meeting, at Police Commissioner's office in the city on Sunday.

After hearing many allegations and counter allegations among Dalits, the DCP said that the SC/ST Act is one of the best Acts designed to bring SC/ST community to social mainstream.

If anyone files false complaint, it means misuse of the Act and accused will be punished. The real intention of the Act can't be achieved if one starts using laws for personal benefit without having social concern, he said.

Earlier, Dakshina Kannada DSS District Organising Convenor Ananda Bellare said that a complaint given by S P Anand against Shwetha, Sadashiva and Girish Kumar is false and FIR has been filed because of his pressure.

The case was investigated by Pandeshwara women police and Civil Rights Enforcement Directorate regarding cheating of Rs 3 lakh and rape attempt case filed by Shwetha. S?P?Anand filed this counter complaint to take revenge, Bellare alleged. Shwetha, who was also present in the meeting, repeated the same.

In another similar case, Dalita Mahila Okkuta Taluk Convenor Ramya alleged that she had to wait for three days to get FIR filed in Ullal police station against Shashikanth, Girish Kumar and Jayanth Kumar for harassing her.

However, Shashikanth said that Ramya is supporting Fatima to build house at his land in Permannur. For questioning her, she has filed a false complaint against all three, he said. He also produced the title deeds, sketch of his house given by Ullal town municipal council. Deputy Commissioner of Police, N Vishnuvardhana ordered the police officers concerned to complete all the investigations by September 15.

Dalit leader Sadashiv Urwa Store said that few Dalit leaders are causing injustice to Dalits themselves. Many have left organisation because of them. The Social welfare department gives Rs 25,000 to the victims of atrocity cases.

Few leaders are misusing it to make money. They have filed atrocity cases even against Dalits, he said. Narayana Punchame also requested all Dalits to be united.

Misusing of Dalit atrocity law should be stopped and police should not entertain such individuals, he said.