Bengaluru, August 18 — Karnataka has witnessed a sharp increase in crimes against children, with cases filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act rising by 26 percent over the past two years, according to official state data.

Home Minister G. Parameshwara informed the Assembly that the state recorded 4,019 POCSO cases in 2024, the highest figure in four years. The numbers reflect a steady rise: 2,884 cases in 2021, 3,209 in 2022, and 3,898 in 2023. From January to July 2025, authorities have already logged 2,544 cases, suggesting that this year’s total may cross previous records.

District-wise data shows Bengaluru city at the top with 319 cases, followed by Shivamogga, Tumakuru, Chikkaballapur, Belagavi, Chitradurga, and Mysuru. Officials attribute the increase partly to improved awareness and reporting but stress that the figures also highlight ongoing risks for minors across the state.

Despite rising registration of cases, concerns remain over low conviction rates and delays in judicial processes. Child rights activists argue that without faster investigations and better survivor support systems, justice will continue to be elusive for many victims.

In response, the Karnataka Health Department has authorised government hospitals to procure Sexual Assault Forensic Evidence (SAFE) kits locally to ensure timely examinations and stronger evidence collection. Authorities say this step is crucial to strengthening investigations and securing convictions in sensitive cases.

The state government has pledged to prioritise child protection, but experts emphasise that tackling the issue will require a combination of legal reforms, faster trials, and rehabilitation support for survivors.