Mysuru: A fast-track special court in Mysuru has sentenced Karthik, 32, to death after finding him guilty of raping and murdering a nine-year-old girl during the Mysuru Dasara festivities last year.
The incident, which occurred on October 9, 2025, near the Mysuru Dasara Exhibition grounds, sparked widespread outrage across Karnataka. The girl’s family had travelled from Kalaburagi to Mysuru to sell balloons during the festive season.
The court delivered its verdict after the prosecution established the charges against the accused in the case, which was investigated by Nazarbad police.
Girl was allegedly taken from family’s tent
According to the case details, the child was sleeping inside a tent when the accused allegedly took her away, sexually assaulted her and murdered her.
The family had come to Mysuru to earn a livelihood by selling balloons during the annual Dasara celebrations. The crime sent shockwaves through the city and prompted demands for strict action against the perpetrator.
The incident drew particular attention because it occurred during one of Karnataka’s most prominent cultural festivals, when Mysuru attracts large numbers of visitors and temporary vendors.
CCTV footage helped police trace accused
Following the incident, Nazarbad police registered a case and launched an investigation. Investigators reportedly used CCTV footage to identify and trace the accused, leading to his arrest within 24 hours of the crime.
Karthik, a resident of Siddalingapura in Mysuru, was reportedly working as a bus cleaner on the Mysuru–Kollegal route.
Police subsequently continued the investigation and gathered evidence for the prosecution. The case was presented before the Fast Track Special Court for cases involving sexual offences against children, identified as FTSC-1 in Mysuru.
Accused reportedly attempted to escape during investigation
According to the report, Karthik allegedly attempted to escape during a police procedure conducted after his arrest. Sub-Inspector Jaikeerthi reportedly fired at his leg to restrain him.
The incident formed part of the developments following the arrest as investigators proceeded with the case.
Court delivers death sentence
After hearing the case, the fast-track special court found Karthik guilty and imposed the death penalty. The verdict marks a significant development in a crime that had generated widespread public anger during last year’s Dasara celebrations.
The case also brought renewed attention to the safety of children accompanying families who travel to major cities for seasonal work.
The court’s decision follows the conclusion of the trial and the prosecution’s presentation of evidence against the accused. Any applicable appeal or further legal proceedings would proceed under the established judicial process.
The verdict brings a major development in the case that shocked Mysuru during Dasara 2025, while underscoring the serious legal consequences of crimes involving sexual violence and the murder of children.