“Despite development measures, SC/ST community members remain vulnerable to various offenses, indignities, and harassment”. District Judge Koppal convicts 101 people atrocities case.

The Sessions Judge Koppal Hon’ble Shri. C. Chandrashekar convicted 101 persons in a decade old case of atrocity against members of the Scheduled Caste community at Marakumbi village. (Judgement enclsoed)

The Hon’ble Judge observed, “To show mercy in a case like this would be travesty of justice. Considering the fact that the injured victims, male and female, belong to Scheduled Caste and that accused have violated the modesty of women folk, assaulted the victims with sticks, stones and brick pieces causing injuries, I am of the opinion that the Accused deserve to be sentenced for more period than the prescribed minimum period of punishment.”

The Court sentenced 98 accused to life imprisonment under Section 3(2)(iv) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The remaining were sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment.

FIR was lodged in August 2014 alleging that the accused assaulted the persons belonging to SC community while purchasing cinema tickets. The accused entered the colony of Madigas community, abused and assaulted the community members and lit fire to their houses.

A total of 117 individuals were charged in the case, facing allegations under:

1. Section 3(1)(x) of the SC/ST Act: intentional insult or intimidation of SC/ST community members (more severe than IPC Sections 504 and 506).
2. Section 3(1)(xi) SC/ST Act: assault on SC/ST women with intent to outrage modesty (more severe than IPC Section 354).
3. Section 3(2)(iv) SC/ST Act: arson targeting SC/ST dwellings (more severe than IPC Section 436).

These sections of the SC/ST Act prescribe aggravated penalties for offenses against SC/ST individuals.”

Or, in an even more concise format:

“117 individuals were charged under:

• SC/ST Act 3(1)(x): intentional insult/intimidation
• SC/ST Act 3(1)(xi): assault on SC/ST women
• SC/ST Act 3(2)(iv): arson targeting SC/ST dwellings

These offenses carry enhanced penalties compared to IPC Sections 504, 506, 354, and 436.

The Court documented statements from primarily injured, child, and female witnesses, observing consistent testimony despite a three-year examination gap. Their accounts were substantiated by additional evidence. Notably:

• 35 of 38 witnesses supported the prosecution’s case.
• Only three injured witnesses disagreed with the prosecution.
• No allegations of witness tampering were made.
• Witnesses recounted their traumatic experiences, showing consistency despite variations in detail.

Read the Judgement here.