Echo of girl’s rape, murder during Dasara-2025

Mysuru: In the wake of the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl from a nomadic community in Mysuru during last year’s Dasara, the District Administration has stepped up measures to protect children accompanying migrant families, prevent child labour and curb abuse of minors during this year’s festival.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) R. Aishwarya chaired a meeting at Deputy Commissioner’s Office yesterday, attended by officials from Women’s Protection Unit, Child Welfare Committee, Department of Women and Child Development, Don Bosco Children’s Home, Destitute Children’s Centre and other child protection organisations.

Referring to last year’s incident, she said such a tragedy must never be repeated and stressed the need for strict vigilance to ensure children’s safety during Dasara.

She noted that families from different cities and States come to Mysuru for trade during the festival, often bringing their children with them. The District Administration, Police and other departments must work together to ensure their safety, she said.

Temporary helpline

She directed officials to introduce a temporary helpline during Dasara in addition to the existing child helpline. She also called for identifying children engaged in labour, providing safe shelter to those separated from their parents and taking strict action against people who exploit infants by carrying them to traffic signals to seek alms.

The Police and child protection unit were asked to keep a close watch on migrant families and take preventive measures without delay. Special vigilance must be maintained at the Dasara Exhibition Grounds, around the Palace, at railway and bus stations and other crowded places.

Police deployment

Police personnel should be deployed at these locations, while the child protection unit must remain active. She also called for attention to be paid to people who paint their faces and beg in public places, besides conducting awareness campaigns across the city on child safety.

District Child Protection Officer Asha said migrant families often sleep on roadsides, urging the authorities to arrange temporary shelters for migrant families and their children to prevent a recurrence.

Responding to the request, Aishwarya said the suggestions and demands raised at the meeting would be placed before the Deputy Commissioner for approval.

City Crime Branch ACP Mohammad Sharif Rawathar, District Child Welfare Committee President Ravichandra, Director of the Rural Literacy and Health Programme Saraswathi and others attended the meeting.