KSPCA flags delay in posting DSPs to civil rights police stations across Karnataka

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 (DSPs) to several police stations under the Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE).

Considering the recommendation, the Secretary of the Social Welfare Department has directed the Social Welfare Commissioner to take necessary action to upgrade 21 Inspector posts to DSP posts and include the sanction of staff allowance in the budget for the year 2026-27.

In his letter, Mohan Kumar Danappa, member of the SPCA, dated December 20, 2025, Mr. 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, he noted that only 12 DSPs have been appointed so far, leaving 21 units without DSP-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 DSP rank.

He stated that the absence of DSPs and adequate staff has hampered effective investigation and timely disposal of cases. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) had earlier submitted a request to the Social Welfare Department seeking the appointment of DSPs and other required personnel, but no action has reportedly been taken so far.

Mr. Danappa pointed out that Dalit organisations and social activists have expressed dissatisfaction over the delay and have warned of statewide protests.

Urging immediate action, the SPCA member called on the Social Welfare Department to expedite the appointment of DSPs and necessary staff to ensure proper investigation and swift disposal of cases registered at all Civil Rights Enforcement police stations across Karnataka.