Tribal Communities at Risk: Inside Vidarbha’s Steep Crime Surge Against Scheduled Tribes

thenewsdirt
Oct 3
6 min read

The National Crime Records Bureau's 2023 report reveals a disturbing 28.8 per cent increase in crimes against Scheduled Tribes nationwide, with the total number of registered cases jumping from 10,064 in 2022 to 12,960 in 2023.

This alarming escalation represents the steepest annual rise in crimes targeting India's tribal communities in recent years, raising serious concerns about the safety and security of these vulnerable populations.

The data indicates that crimes against Scheduled Tribes are occurring at an unprecedented pace, with the crime rate per lakh population climbing from 9.6 in 2022 to 12.4 in 2023.

Manipur emerged as the worst-affected state, recording a staggering 3,399 cases in 2023 compared to just one case in 2022, primarily driven by ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

In Vidarbha, which houses a significant portion of Maharashtra's tribal population, these national trends have particular relevance given the region's demographic composition and historical patterns of tribal-related crimes.

Vidarbha's Tribal Landscape and Crime Context

Vidarbha accounts for more than 40 per cent of Maharashtra's Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups, with five districts containing 2.74 lakh of the state's 6.68 lakh PVTG population.

Gadchiroli has the highest tribal concentration, with 38.68 per cent of its population being tribal, followed by Yavatmal, with 18.54 per cent, and Chandrapur, with 17.65 per cent.

The region's tribal population totals approximately 2.92 million across eleven districts, representing 12.68 per cent of Vidarbha's overall population of 23 million.

These demographics make the region particularly susceptible to crimes targeting tribal communities, as evidenced by the recent patterns emerging from crime statistics.

The Nagpur division alone reported 293 cases under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act between April and December 2024, with 85 cases involving Scheduled Tribes specifically.

These figures represent ongoing challenges in protecting tribal communities across the six districts of Nagpur, Wardha, Bhandara, Gondia, Chandrapur, and Gadchiroli. Of particular concern is the fact that 64 of these cases remain under police investigation while 223 are pending in courts, highlighting the slow pace of justice delivery in atrocity cases.

The tribal communities in Vidarbha, predominantly comprising Gond, Madia, Pardhan, and Kolam groups, face unique vulnerabilities due to their forest-based livelihoods and geographical isolation.

Gadchiroli district, with its 415,306 tribal population constituting 38.17 per cent of the district's demographics, represents the highest concentration of tribal communities in the region. The district's dense forest areas and proximity to state borders create additional challenges for law enforcement and community protection.

National Crime Patterns and State Comparisons

The national increase in crimes against Scheduled Tribes was driven primarily by Manipur's unprecedented surge, where ethnic violence resulted in 1,051 cases of arson, 260 cases of dacoity, 203 cases of intentional insult or intimidation, and 193 cases involving illegal occupation or disposal of tribal lands.

This single state accounted for 26.2 per cent of all crimes against Scheduled Tribes in 2023, fundamentally altering the national crime landscape.

Madhya Pradesh recorded the second-highest number with 2,858 cases, representing a slight decrease from 2,979 cases in 2022. Despite this marginal decline, Madhya Pradesh maintained its position as a state with consistently high numbers of crimes against tribal communities. Rajasthan ranked third with 2,453 cases in 2023, down from 2,521 in 2022 but higher than the 2,121 cases recorded in 2021. These three states collectively accounted for the majority of crimes against Scheduled Tribes nationwide.

The crime categorisation reveals that simple hurt cases dominated with 2,757 incidents representing 21.3 per cent of total crimes, followed by riots with 1,707 cases at 13.2 per cent, and rape with 1,189 cases constituting 9.2 per cent of all registered crimes. This pattern indicates that physical violence and communal tensions remain the primary manifestations of crimes against tribal communities across the country.

Maharashtra's Position and Regional Implications

Maharashtra's crime statistics against Scheduled Tribes have shown historical variations, with the state recording 559 cases in 2019 according to NCRB data.

While specific 2023 figures for Maharashtra were not explicitly detailed in the recent NCRB report, the state has consistently featured among regions with significant tribal populations and corresponding crime challenges.

The 2022 NCRB data indicated Maharashtra recorded 691 cases of crimes against Scheduled Tribes, representing 7.10 per cent of the national total of 9,735 cases under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

The geographical distribution of tribal populations across Maharashtra places particular significance on Vidarbha's role in addressing these crimes.

With districts like Gadchiroli, Yavatmal, and Chandrapur housing substantial tribal communities, the region serves as a critical indicator of the state's overall performance in protecting tribal rights and preventing atrocities.

Recent data from the Amravati Police Range, covering five districts in Vidarbha, shows varying crime patterns across different categories, though specific tribal crime breakdowns were not detailed in available statistics.

The establishment of special courts and fast-track mechanisms in districts like Nagpur, Amravati, and Chandrapur represents ongoing efforts to address the judicial backlog in atrocity cases.

However, conviction rates in Maharashtra have historically remained low, with the state recording significantly lower conviction rates compared to national averages in various crime categories.

The Maharashtra State Commission for Women and district-level One Stop Centres in places like Yavatmal and Nagpur offer support services, though awareness and accessibility remain ongoing challenges.

Institutional Response and Enforcement Challenges

The Prevention of Atrocities Act mandates specific procedural requirements, including immediate spot inspections by District Magistrates or Deputy Superintendent-level officers, comprehensive damage assessments, and immediate relief provisions for victims.

However, implementation across Vidarbha's tribal areas faces logistical challenges due to forest terrain and communication barriers.

The requirement for Deputy Superintendent of Police-level investigation in all atrocity cases often leads to delays, given the limited availability of such officers across the region's vast geographical expanse.

Recent cases documented by tribal rights organisations highlight custodial torture, fake encounters, and land-related disputes as recurring themes in crimes against Scheduled Tribes.

The institutional response mechanisms, while legally robust, face practical implementation challenges in remote tribal areas where community leaders often lack awareness of legal protections and reporting procedures.

The establishment of vigilance committees and special cells at district levels represents attempts to bridge these gaps, though their effectiveness varies significantly across different areas.

The compensation and relief mechanisms under the Act provide for immediate assistance, including medical expenses, replacement of essential items, and financial support for victims and witnesses.

However, the actual disbursement of these benefits often faces bureaucratic delays, with many cases remaining unresolved for extended periods.

The Nagpur division's experience of having Rs 67 crore in financial assistance distributed across 6,948 cases since 1989 indicates both the scale of the problem and the ongoing institutional efforts to address victim rehabilitation.

The 28.8 per cent national increase in crimes against Scheduled Tribes in 2023 represents more than statistical data, reflecting real challenges faced by some of India's most vulnerable communities.

In Vidarbha, where tribal populations constitute significant portions of district demographics, these trends demand focused attention from law enforcement, judicial systems, and administrative machinery.

The region's experience with tribal crimes, combined with its geographical and demographic characteristics, positions it as a crucial area for monitoring and addressing the broader national patterns of crimes against Scheduled Tribes.