Is Karnataka's Government Failing to Protect Its Children?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic incident highlights safety concerns
- Government criticized for law enforcement failures
- Public outrage calls for accountability
- Need for enhanced protection for children
- Importance of police presence during festivals
Bengaluru, Oct 11 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP sharply criticized the state government on Saturday regarding the rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl who sold balloons in Mysuru, asserting that the state's law and order situation is alarming.
During a press briefing, the Assembly's Opposition Leader, R. Ashoka, remarked, "Even amidst the Dusshera festivities in Mysuru, the police failed to avert this heinous crime. The law and order in our state has plummeted to unacceptable levels."
Ashoka highlighted that the tragic incident involving a girl from a balloon-selling family in Mysuru showcases the government's utter failure in ensuring safety. He emphasized, "There is no environment where children can roam freely in this state. It remains a mystery where police patrols are during the night hours."
He pointed out that both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara have yet to comment on this grievous event.
Ashoka noted that police forces from multiple districts were stationed in Mysuru during the Dusshera celebrations.
"While Shivakumar can identify potholes in Delhi, preventing such grave crimes seems beyond reach. Siddaramaiah celebrated Dusshera in his home district, yet such a tragedy unfolded during the festivities. Birthday celebrations continue inside Bengaluru Central Prison, and drugs are being smuggled within. The state of law and order has hit rock bottom," he stated.
The lifeless body of the balloon-selling girl was discovered in Mysuru city on Thursday. Authorities managed to trace the suspect's movements through CCTV footage.
According to police reports, the girl's family belongs to one of the 50 Hakki-Pikki tribal families living near the Doddakere Grounds, directly in front of Mysuru Palace and opposite the Exhibition Grounds.
On the evening prior, the victim had sold balloons during the Chamundeshwari Teppotsava, a cultural event, and had gone to sleep with her parents afterward.
However, on Thursday morning, her parents were unable to locate her.
Upon searching, they found her body, stripped of clothing, approximately 50 meters away from their tent.
Police sources disclosed on Saturday that the perpetrator, after committing the rape, brutally stabbed her 19 times, culminating in her death.