Overview

• The victim, a 10-year-old from a Hakki-Pikki nomadic family selling balloons during Dasara, was found in a drain near the Exhibition Grounds after relatives reported her missing early Thursday.
• Preliminary findings point to sexual assault and stabbing, with confirmation pending analysis of forensic samples sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory.
• Senior officers visited the scene as police conducted a mahazar, called in the fingerprint unit and sniffer dogs, and collected evidence.
• Investigators reviewed nearby CCTV footage, and police sources say a suspect has been identified with a manhunt underway.
• This is the second killing reported in the area within 48 hours, prompting calls from local CPI(M) leaders for tighter security and swift arrests.