Mysuru Child Murder Accused: A Troubling History of Bail Jumping and High Court Release

A recent tragedy has cast a chilling spotlight on the justice system, revealing a deeply disturbing sequence of events leading up to the alleged murder of a six-year-old girl in Mysuru. The accused, Chetan, a 29-year-old man, was reportedly out on bail after the Karnataka High Court suspended his sentence in a previous, equally horrific case involving the assault and rape of a young woman – a case where he had repeatedly flouted judicial orders by jumping bail three times.

The horrific incident unfolded on November 13, 2023, when the six-year-old victim was abducted from her home.

Her lifeless body was later discovered with her throat brutally slit, sending shockwaves through the community. Chetan was apprehended by vigilant locals and subsequently handed over to the police, but his alleged involvement immediately raised critical questions about his presence in society despite a documented history of severe criminal behavior.

Police records paint a grim picture of Chetan’s past.

In 2019, he was accused of a brutal assault on a 20-year-old woman, whom he allegedly attacked with a machete and raped. Following his arrest, he was initially granted bail in August 2019. However, demonstrating a blatant disregard for judicial directives, Chetan absconded and jumped bail on three separate occasions: in October 2019, April 2020, and February 2021.

Each instance led to the issuance of non-bailable warrants against him, underscoring his repeated attempts to evade justice.

Despite his history of non-compliance, Chetan was eventually apprehended and convicted in April 2021 by a Mysuru court for the 2019 crimes, receiving a 10-year prison sentence.

Yet, this conviction proved to be a temporary measure. On July 10, 2023, just months before the Mysuru child murder, the Karnataka High Court, presided over by Justice S Sunil Dutt Yadav, suspended his sentence. The High Court's decision was based on an observation that the lower court had "failed to properly frame charges," specifically noting that sections 376 (rape) and 376(2)(n) (repeated rape) were not distinctly framed, thus implying a "prima facie error" in the trial court's proceedings.

This technicality allowed Chetan to be released on bail, effectively freeing a convicted individual with a history of serious offenses and bail violations.

This turn of events has sparked considerable outrage and concern among legal experts and the public alike. Critics argue that while procedural correctness is vital, the High Court’s decision to suspend a sentence and grant bail to an individual with such a grave criminal record – and a history of repeatedly jumping bail – raises serious questions about public safety and judicial accountability.

The concern is particularly acute given the tragic outcome that followed his release.

The case of Chetan highlights a troubling systemic vulnerability where legal technicalities can, inadvertently, lead to the release of dangerous individuals. It underscores the critical need for a meticulous approach to judicial proceedings, especially in cases involving violent crimes, to ensure that justice is not only served but that the safety of the community is unequivocally protected.

The Mysuru tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences when the system falters.