Director of Prosecutions Byra Ramakoteswara Rao called for a strong coordination between the police and the prosecution to ensure effective implementation of the Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act across the State.

Justice would be delivered to victims only when the investigations were of high quality, witnesses were protected, the prosecution was effective, and convictions were secured, Mr. Rao told prosecutors.

Addressing a State-level semi-annual review meeting on the implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in Vijayawada on Saturday, Mr. Rao said deficiencies in investigation should be covered up, and trials must be managed properly so that the conviction rates would not be impacted.

He noted that clear guidelines were issued on collecting scientific and digital evidence, timely filing of charge sheets and presentation of evidence in the courts.

​In the light of recent judgments of the Supreme Court and High Courts, comprehensive legal guidance was being provided to police officers and special public prosecutors, and the same should be availed, he added.

Published - July 18, 2026 09:03 pm IST