Mysuru ; Balloon-Selling Girl Raped and Murdered During Dasara; Police Shoot Accused in Encounter

Mysuru,  — In a chilling incident that has sent shockwaves across Karnataka, a 10-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered in Mysuru, prompting swift police action that led to the arrest and shooting of the accused. The victim, a member of the Hakki-Pikki tribal community, had arrived in the city with her family from Kalaburagi to sell balloons during the Dasara festivities.

The girl was sleeping in a tent near Doddakere Maidan along with her parents when she was abducted late Wednesday night. Her body was discovered early Thursday morning in a nearby pit, partially unclothed, raising suspicions of sexual assault followed by murder. The incident occurred in the Nazarbad police jurisdiction.

Based on CCTV footage, police identified the suspect as Karthik (31), a resident of Siddalingapura. Karthik, a known repeat offender, had previously served two years in prison for attempting to rape a woman in Mandya and was released just four months ago. Since then, he had been wandering around Mysuru, reportedly addicted to alcohol.

After committing the crime, Karthik fled to Kollegala via the Mysuru bus stand. Police tracked him down and attempted to apprehend him near Metagalli. During the operation, Karthik allegedly attacked Constable Venkatesh in a bid to escape. Sub-Inspector Jaikirti responded by shooting him in the leg, effectively disabling him. Karthik was immediately taken into custody and admitted to K.R. Hospital for treatment. Mysuru Police Commissioner Seema Latkar visited the hospital to review the situation.

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked widespread outrage. Citizens and activists have demanded the harshest punishment, with some calling for capital punishment and others urging an encounter. The fact that the victim was a child from a marginalized community who had come to Mysuru for livelihood has intensified public anger.

The Hakki-Pikki families, numbering over 50, had camped near the palace grounds for the duration of Dasara. The victim’s family had just completed their day’s trade and were preparing to leave the city after Chamundeshwari Temple’s Teppotsava. Their plans were shattered by the horrific crime.

Police continue to investigate the case, and security has been tightened in the area. The incident has reignited calls for better protection of vulnerable communities and stricter monitoring of repeat offenders.