Accused in rape and murder of minor in Mysuru during Dasara 2025 sentenced to death

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A special court for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Mysuru sentenced to death a man convicted of raping and murdering a minor girl amidst the Dasara festivities in 2025.

On October 17, Karthik, 32, was sentenced to death by hanging, Special Public Prosecutor K.B. Jayanthi told The Hindu .

The victim belonged to a family from Kalaburagi that had come to Mysuru during Dasara to sell balloons and toys. The family used to sleep in makeshift tents near Doddakere Maidan.

After the girl went missing, her family lodged a complaint with the police. Subsequently, her body was found near Doddakere Maidan. The accused, a resident of Mysuru, was arrested.

Ms. Jayanthi said the conviction was secured on the strength of evidence relating to rape, murder, and destruction of evidence.

“Digital evidence played a crucial role in the case. We also had medical evidence, circumstantial evidence, and several other pieces of evidence,” she said.

Expressing satisfaction over the verdict, delivered about a year after the crime, Ms. Jayanthi said the judgment had brought a measure of justice to the victim’s family.

“We cannot bring the child back to life, but we have ensured that her family got justice,” she said, expressing hope that the verdict would serve as a warning to those who commit such crimes

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