Rowdy sheets on the decline in Karnataka

Rowdy sheets, files opened by police against individuals involved in criminal activities or causing fear in areas, have seen a significant decline in Karnataka. From 47,054 in 2023, the number dropped to 37,243 in 2026, a decrease of about 10,000. This consistent reduction was reported during the Karnataka legislature's monsoon session in 2026. Additionally, the number of rowdy sheets closed consistently outnumbered new ones opened during this period.

A rowdy sheet is a surveillance mechanism for the police, requiring sheeters to regularly report to police stations and participate in rowdy parades. R. Hitendra, Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order), Karnataka, stated that the decision to manage the list of rowdy sheeters was deliberate, as their presence made it challenging to focus on actual troublemakers.

However, Hitendra acknowledged that the current list could be further reduced and that there is a delay in opening rowdy sheets against those who should be included.

The data presentation occurred during Karnataka's monsoon session each year, with Deputy Superintendents of Police and Assistant Commissioners of Police reviewing and renewing rowdy sheets as needed. Despite this, Hitendra criticized the system, noting that officials mechanically renew rowdy sheets, resulting in many unnecessary people under surveillance.

Moreover, he alleged corruption in the closing of rowdy sheets. For the past three years, the police have been streamlining the process, adhering to strict criteria for closing rowdy sheets: when the sheeter is dead, old (over 60), ill, has not been involved in any criminal case for 10 years, or has been acquitted in the cases based on which the rowdy sheet was opened.

Bengaluru, however, presents a contrasting scenario. After a substantial decline from 2023 to 2024, the number of rowdy sheets has recently risen again. In 2024, 1,152 sheets were closed, compared to 224 new records opened. While the trend of closing more than opening continued in 2025 and 2026, a senior city police official attributed this to the city's economic activity, requiring higher surveillance.

In June 2026, the Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority ordered the closure of rowdy sheets against 66 persons, including alleged underworld figures, due to procedural lapses and other factors. The city police is now considering legal action to reinstate these sheets. Still, another official believes that even in Bengaluru, the rowdy sheet list can be further trimmed.