MYSURU:
Tragedy struck a poor migrant family from Kalaburagi who had travelled to Mysuru to sell balloons during the Dasara festivities, when their 10-year-old daughter was found dead near the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition Grounds early on Thursday. Her body was discovered partially clothed and bore visible injuries, raising strong suspicions of rape and murder.
Accused nabbed after police firing
In a late-night development, the police arrested the accused, identified as Karthik, a resident of Siddalingapura in Mysuru. He was tracked down and arrested in Kollegal, Chamarajanagara district, after a day-long manhunt. During the operation, Karthik reportedly attempted to flee, forcing police to open fire and injure him in the leg. He was later shifted to KR Hospital in Mysuru for treatment.
According to the police, Karthik is a habitual offender who had earlier been convicted for attempting to rape a woman in Mandya and had served two years in prison. He was released just four months ago and is said to be addicted to alcohol.
Family camping near Dasara exhibition grounds
The victim’s family, belonging to a microscopic nomadic community from Kalaburagi, had come to Mysuru along with around 50 other families to earn a living during the annual Dasara celebrations. They had put up makeshift tents at Doddakere Maidan, opposite the Mysuru Palace, where they sold balloons, toys and trinkets to visitors.
On Wednesday night, after winding up sales close to midnight, the family returned to their tent to rest. Around 4 am, heavy rain lashed the city, waking everyone up. It was then that the girl’s father realised his daughter was missing.
“We searched frantically through the muddy grounds in the rain. Soon, someone informed us that she was found lying lifeless about 50 metres away from our tent, partially buried in a heap of mud,” said a cousin of the victim, struggling to hold back tears.
Police suspect sexual assault
Investigators and forensic teams reached the spot early in the morning. The victim’s family and police officers raised the suspicion of sexual assault after bloodstains were found in the mud and the girl was not fully clothed.
A special police team, led by DCP Bindu Mani and DCP (Law and Order) Sundar Raj, examined the crime scene and recorded statements. CCTV footage from nearby areas reportedly captured an unidentified man wearing a red T-shirt and jeans moving suspiciously around the location around the time of the incident.
Swift investigation leads to arrest
Police teams launched a coordinated manhunt based on the footage and local intelligence inputs. Karthik was traced to Kollegal, around 60 km away, where he had fled by a private bus. He was intercepted by police late on Thursday night. When he tried to escape, officers fired at him, hitting his leg.
The accused has been booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police said more sections may be added based on forensic reports and postmortem findings.
Community demands justice
The incident has triggered outrage among residents and social activists in Mysuru. Child rights groups and women’s organisations have demanded strict action and fast-track trial in the case.
The police have assured that the investigation will be monitored closely by senior officers and that a watertight chargesheet will be filed at the earliest. “No leniency will be shown to the accused,” said a senior police official.
Conclusion
The heart-wrenching incident has cast a shadow over Mysuru’s festive mood, reminding everyone that behind the grandeur of Dasara, vulnerable communities often live on the margins with little protection. Authorities have stepped up security around the exhibition grounds and are working to ensure such tragedies do not recur.