Chandigarh, April 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Senior Congress leader and MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal has held the central government responsible for the rising cases of atrocities against Dalits in BJP-ruled states. He stated that the anti-Dalit face of the BJP has been exposed in the 2023 report of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
He said the increasing number of cases of atrocities against Dalits under BJP rule is alarming. The central government should have taken steps to curb these incidents, but instead, they continue to rise. Dalits no longer feel safe. The growing crimes against Dalits and tribal communities raise serious questions about law and order and social justice in the country.
Dhaliwal alleged that Uttar Pradesh records the highest number of cases, followed by Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, while Bihar ranks fourth. All four states are governed by the BJP. According to the NCRB report, a total of 57,789 cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes (SCs) were registered in 2023, which is 0.4% higher than the 57,582 cases reported in 2022. Data shows that Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of cases at 15,130, followed by Rajasthan (8,449), Madhya Pradesh (8,232), and Bihar (7,064).
He expressed particular concern over the safety of Dalit women, stating that on average, more than 10 Dalit women face sexual assault every day, which is extremely shameful and worrying. He added that this situation reflects the continued lack of adequate protection for vulnerable sections of society.
The report also revealed that the conviction rate in cases of sexual crimes against Dalit women is less than 2%, while most cases remain pending. Reacting to this, he said that delayed justice is equivalent to denial of justice and constitutes injustice to victims. Additionally, crimes against Scheduled Tribes (STs) have increased by 28.8%, with 12,960 cases reported in 2023.
Dhaliwal urged both the central and state governments to ensure immediate and strict action against crimes targeting Dalits and tribal communities. He also demanded strengthening of fast-track courts, speedy disposal of pending cases, and the formulation of a concrete policy for victim rehabilitation. He added that the Congress party has consistently raised its voice on issues of social justice and equality and will continue to do so.
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