Mysuru, Oct. 16 -- The Court in Mysuru set up to prosecute the accused booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has found Karthik of Siddalingapura guilty of raping and murdering a nine-year-old girl last Dasara.

The girl had come to the city with her family to sell balloons. The incident had shocked the city. The girl belonged to a nomadic family that had travelled from Kalaburagi to Mysuru to sell balloons, toys and plastic items during the festival.

Judge Anand P. Hoogade pronounced the verdict yesterday, finding Karthik guilty. The accused was produced before the judge in person today, having appeared virtually yesterday. After confirming his identity, the judge said the quantum of punishment would be...