Atrocities against Dalits on rise in Maharashtra: Athawale

Cases of atrocities against Dalits and backward castes notched a steep rise in Maharashtra this year as compared to 2012, Republican Party of India (A) president Ramdas Athawale said Friday.

In 2013, as may as 1,365 cases of atrocities against Dalits were lodged across the state, compared to 1,089 last year, he said. Concerned by the alarming trends, Athawale called on state Home Minister R. R. Patil and apprised him of the situation.

Patil, aided by a team of senior police officials including Additional Director General of Police Javed Ahmad, Home Secretary Vinit Agarwal and others, assured that all possible steps would be taken to curb atrocities on Dalits in the state.

He also said that the government would also examine setting up fast track courts to tackle such cases and ensure that the Atrocity Act, 1989 will be strictly implemented.

"We shall not tolerate or allow any atrocities against Dalits and they will be given full justice," Patil assured the delegation.

Faced with an oncoming election year, the home minister directed all police stations, right upto taluka levels to tackle any such cases with seriousness and carry out investigations accordingly.

Patil also ordered top police officials and district officials to personally monitor the investigations and visit the villages or families of the victims of such atrocities to offer solace and justice.