Mohan Kumar

 

Certain crimes gain a lot of public attention because of their brutality. One such case which captured a lot of the public was Cyanide Mohan. Mohan Kumar, also known as Cyanide Mohan was a notorious serial killer who preyed mostly on women. He spread his terror in the state of Karnataka from 2005 to 2009. His crimes terrified the nation and left it dealing with the horrible acts done by a man full of evil desires.

Mohan Kumar 'Cyanide Mohan'

Mohan Kumar Vivekananda, commonly known as Cyanide Mohan, was born in a small village in Karnataka. Not much is known about his childhood. He was believed to have worked as a taxi driver and a jeweler in the early years of his life. Then, he got to work as a primary-school physical education teacher. He committed his heinous acts under the disguise of these occupations.

Cyanide Mohan's crimes were mostly directed toward young, vulnerable women in search of love and a companion. He would gain their trust by using his charm and manipulative ways, promising them a better life. His strategy included gaining his victims' trust and then convincing them to take the cyanide-laced contraceptive pills after spending the night with them. The pills were consumed by the victims, resulting in a quick and painful death. Cyanide, a highly poisonous chemical, made it impossible to determine the cause of death, leaving investigators confused. To avoid suspicion, he used to ask the women to take the tablets in public restrooms. That's why, in both the real case and the web series based on Mohan, the majority of the dead bodies were discovered in public restrooms. The character of Vijay Verma, Anand Swarnakar, in the Amazon web series 'Dahaad' is based on him.

Mohan Kumar and Anand Swarnakar

He would rob them of their valuables after they died. Cyanide Mohan got his title from his method of killing, which was using cyanide. This chemical substance, which is commonly used in jewelry shops to measure the purity of gold, became his weapon of murder.

Cyanide Mohan's reign of terror began in 2005 and lasted until 2009. During this time, he is thought to have murdered at least 20 women. His victims were mostly young women or those who were in their late 20s.

As the death toll increased, authorities began to suspect criminal activity and began an in-depth investigation. The investigation was challenging for the police because there were no links or connections among the victims. However, a rigorous police investigation finally revealed the criminal's identity and resulted in his arrest. He was arrested in the city of Mangalore in 2009.

Mohan Kumar's weapon 'Cyanide pills'

The trial of Cyanide Mohan was a lengthy case. Mohan Kumar was found guilty of rape, murder, and theft in 2013. The court sentenced him to death. He is now being held at Hindalga Central Prison in Belagavi.

Mohan's news clipping

Cyanide Mohan's horrible acts had a great impact on society, particularly on the perception of women's safety and trust. The case highlighted the risks that women seeking companionship face as well as the dangers of blindly trusting strangers. It provoked debate about the need for greater awareness and improved safety measures for women in society.

Cyanide Mohan's case is a harsh reminder of the evil that can hide within seemingly ordinary people. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity for society to address the underlying causes that make people vulnerable to such criminals, such as social exclusion and economic inequity.

Cyanide Mohan's tale remains an unforgettable chapter in India's criminal history. His horrific crimes, which included preying on vulnerable women, shook society to its core. Although his capture and eventual sentencing provided some justice, it serves as a reminder of the need for constant attention and efforts to protect our society's most vulnerable people. By bringing these crimes to light, we may work towards a future in which such predators cannot find victims and justice emerges for those impacted.

 

 

Motta Navas

 

There are many stories in criminal history that shock us, causing us to wonder about the extent of human cruelty. Motta Navas, an Indian serial criminal whose reign of terror sent shockwaves across the country, is one such scary figure.

Motta Navas was born in Kollam, Kerala, in 1966. His birth name was Navas. His youth was wrecked by problems because he was raised in poverty. All of this contributed to his horrific actions, exposing a dark and troubled mentality.

Motta Navas, arrested at 46

There isn't much information available regarding his childhood. But according to his criminal reports, Navas had previously been convicted of murder twice before embarking on his serial killing spree. In 1996, he was arrested on murder charges in Kollam and sentenced to four years in jail. In 2007, he was caught again on murder charges and convicted. However, he was released in both cases due to a lack of evidence and witnesses.

In 2012, Motta Navas went on a violent killing spree. In June 2012, a series of violent killings shocked the city of Kollam and its surrounding areas. Many people were crushed to death while sleeping. He targeted vulnerable people who lived on the pavement and streets. All of the murders occurred at night and were carried out with the use of stones or hard, blunt items. According to sources, Navas was a drug-addicted psychopath who went to bed at 8 p.m. and woke up at midnight to look for victims around the city. Navas showed cruelty, leaving a trail of horror wherever he went.

His first murder occurred on June 6, when a 65-year-old victim was hit on the head with a large stone while sleeping under the SP Office flyover. Following that, more victims were found dead at night with their heads smashed with a large stone. Soon after the second murder, the police suspected Navas and arrested him; however, Navas pretended to be mentally challenged, so the police shifted him to a mental institute in Thiruvananthapuram. During his stay, however, psychologists found that he was mentally fit and discharged him. They were trained professionals, yet they interpreted a psychopathic individual as mentally fit, which had tragic consequences.

He returned to Kollam and is accused of committing the other murders. Three of his seven victims were found dead under the S.P. Office flyover, which was under construction at the time. The night patrol police had spotted Navas hiding in the city on those days, but when he saw the police, he pretended to be mentally sick and was ignored. Between June and August of 2012, Navas killed around seven people. Navas attempted two other murders, but the victims escaped with major injuries.

Police investigating murders in Kollam

He was known for his sadistic traits, and he seemed to take pleasure in his victims' suffering, leaving them in a condition of terror and despair. The police and investigating agencies were always on the lookout for him, and he was eventually arrested on November 2, 2012, in the city's Nehru Park area. Following the murders, there is no mention of any sexual assault or robbery. Thus, the lack of any clear motive for killing all of those people seems to indicate that his victims were only objects on which to vent a homicidal outrage. Navas is currently being held in prison awaiting his trial.

The story of Motta Navas is a harsh reminder of the depths to which some people can go. His narrative also highlights the importance of treating the basic causes of criminal behavior. Motta Navas's murder spree shocked the entire city of Kollam. His psychopathic characteristics and drug addiction led to his cruel and cold murders of innocent people. Although he has been arrested and is awaiting his trial, the victims' families and the people of Kollam will never forget the terror and crimes he committed.

Kampatimar Shankariya

 

Throughout history, India, a country known for its rich cultural history and unique traditions, has seen its fair share of criminal activity. One name stands out noticeably among the infamous criminals who have left a terrible mark on the mind of the nation: Kampatimar Shankariya.

Kampatimar Shankariya

Shankariya was born in 1952 in the Indian city of Jaipur, Rajasthan. His early life is covered in mystery, therefore there is little information available about him. People became aware of him after his murdering spree began in 1976.  It was the year when many individuals were found dead with broken necks in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jaipur. All of these persons being murdered in the same manner lead the authorities to suspect that there is a serial killer on the loose.

Shankariya used to assault individuals in dark desolate places with a hammer. The majority of his victims were homeless persons who were sleeping on the streets or wandering around late at night. He gained the title 'Kampatimar' after striking his victims under their ears with a hammer. People began to avoid going to secluded regions at that time, especially in the dark.

Shankariya's weapon- Hammer

The reason he chose the particular spot to hit is unknown, although specialists say there is a eustachian tube present below the ear that is important for the general functioning of the human body. When this tube gets hit, the body jumps out of control, resulting in death.

Like most criminals, there is no evidence of abusive parents or a psychotic incident in his childhood. According to his confession, he chose a life of crime because he enjoyed seeing people die as he struck them with his hammer.

He was arrested and taken into jail by the police in early 1979. He has been found guilty of 70 murders between 1977 and 1978. He was sentenced to death by the court and was executed by hanging on May 16, 1979, at the age of 27. He realized his mistake during his serving time in jail.  His final words on the hanging slot were, "I have murdered in vain. Nobody should become like me." He also sang the Indian national anthem before being hanged to death.

Police investigation in the dark and secluded lanes

The tragedy of Kampatimar Shankariya is a stark reminder of the evil that some people are capable of. It's shocking that there are no records, newspaper clippings, or even a documentary providing enough information regarding this serial killer. His true objectives, mentality, and victim information could have supported many more crimes that went unsolved in India.

Kampatimar Shankariya's name will be written in the documents of Indian criminal history for all time. His reign of terror left scars that may never fully heal, and his heinous crimes serve as an eerie reminder of the darkness that can lurk inside humans. However, the arrest and subsequent trial of Shankariya show law enforcement's unwavering effort. We can expect to prevent the rise of such terrible individuals in the future by constantly trying to improve security measures and foster a culture that values safety and justice.

Chandrakant Jha

 

In the world of crime, there have been individuals who have shocked us with their horrible crimes and stories that have left an unforgettable impression on society. The infamous serial criminal Chandrakant Jha is one such frightening figure who has captured the public's attention. His life, infamous for his brutal crimes, serves as an unsettling reminder of the extremes of human wickedness.

Chandrakant Jha

Chandrakant Jha was born in a small village in Bihar, India, in 1967. Little is known about his early life. His childhood, however, is thought to have suffered from poverty and a lack of exposure. While his later criminal behaviors cannot be justified by these circumstances, they may provide a little understanding of those factors that contributed to his path. According to some stories, Chandrakant was a Bihar migrant laborer. He married twice, divorced the first time, and has five daughters with his second wife. He spent most of his time away from his family.

Jha's reign of terror began with his first murder in 1998. He was arrested and imprisoned until 2002 but was released due to a lack of evidence. Following his release, he embarked on a killing spree against vulnerable people. According to the documentary series 'Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi,' Chandrakant blamed the police for his bogus arrest. All of this led him to a life of crime in reality.

Chandrakant Jha usually preyed on vulnerable people, taking advantage of their trust or exploiting their weaknesses to gain the advantage. He used to befriend migrant laborers and helped them find small jobs in order to gain their trust. However, some little disagreements upset him to the point where he kills them by strangling them. Disputes might range from little disagreements to lying or being a non-vegetarian. Jha would murder his victims and then dispose of their dismembered remains in front of Tihar jail. He used to keep the cut-off parts in a basket or polythene bag with a note attached. He used to call the police to inform them about the body he threw outside of the jail. Usually, his notes were full of taunts to cops, challenging them to catch him if they can. On October 20, 2006, he threw his first dismembered body in front of Tihar Jail Gate No. 3. Jha's actions were extremely horrific, leaving a trail of grief and trauma for the victims and their families.

Dismembered body found by Police

Despite his multiple crimes, Jha managed to stay one step ahead of police authorities for several years. After so many such events, the police were unable to find him for a long period. Police investigated using informants and sources and spotted a man who resembled the suspect's sketch. After an extensive investigation, the police were able to track down the doctor who provided medical care for Jha. They went undercover and questioned the doctor at Tagore Garden Police Station, who revealed Chandrakant Jha's identity. Despite this, the authorities were unable to capture Jha because he misled them. They questioned the doctor's brother-in-law, who was acquainted with the murderer. He told police that Jha has a three-wheel cart with an engine, which helped police arrest the killer at his home.

Chandrakant Jha arrested by Police

Jha's reign of terror, however, came to an end when a committed team of law enforcement agents arrested him in an intense performance after years of persistent chase. Chandrakant Jha's capture was seen as a big achievement for law enforcement and a relief for the communities he had terrorized for so long.

Following his arrest, Chandrakant Jha ended up being subjected to a series of legal proceedings. The trial was closely observed by the media and the general public.  Chandrakant was convicted of three murders and accused of seven more, but he boasted of being involved in 44 murders. Jha was eventually found guilty of various crimes and sentenced to life imprisonment, thereby ending his reign of terror. Even his parole application was dismissed in 2022.

Experts believe that Jha suffered from significant psychopathic tendencies, which are characterized by a lack of empathy and a distorted moral compass. These psychological characteristics led him to carry out his violent crimes without feeling guilty, looking at his victims as simply objects to be used for his own gain.

The Netflix documentary series 'Indian Predator: The Butcher of Delhi' was based on Chandrakant Jha's crimes and was released on July 20, 2022.

A Netflix Docuseries based on 'Chandrakant Jha'

The story of Chandrakant Jha is one that continues to haunt the society. His evils left a mark on the lives of his victims and their families. Besides the immediate consequences, Jha's case highlighted faults in the criminal justice system, urging change and improved investigative measures.

The life and acts of Chandrakant Jha serve as a disturbing reminder of the presence of evil in our society. His ability to escape capture for so long highlights the difficulties faced by Indian law enforcement organizations in dealing with skilled criminals. While his capture and conviction brought some comfort to the people, it additionally shows the dedication of those who work to uphold justice.

As we reflect on Chandrakant Jha's story, we keep being reminded of the significance of working together to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. We can only expect to prevent similar crimes in the future through awareness, cooperation, and a dedication to justice.

Amarjeet Sada

 

Many horrific and disturbing cases in India's criminal history have shocked the world. Amarjeet Sada, the world's youngest serial criminal, was one such case that horrified the nation. By the time he was eight years old, he had killed three children.

Amarjeet Sada was born in 1998 in the village of Begusarai, Bihar. He was born into a poor family. His parents were both laborers who worked hard to make ends meet. The birth of his sister made the family's survival more challenging. He was overlooked as a child since both of his parents were working. He lacked parental supervision and assistance during his early years of life, which contributed to his aggressive behavior.

Amarjeet Sada

His killing spree started in 2006 when he was just 8 years old. His aunt and his six-month-old cousin came to visit them at the time. Amarjeet's aunt has found a new job in the city and wanted to leave her child with them till she settles into her new job. After a few days, her mother went to the market, leaving the babies with Amarjeet. As he was alone with two infants, he started pinching and slapping his cousin. When the baby began to cry, it gave him great pleasure, and he attempted to suffocate the child.

The baby began gasping for air and eventually died. He then took the baby to the forest, smashed her head with a stone, and buried her in the grass. His family became shocked and outraged when they learned about the incident, but they did not report it to the police because they were afraid of the consequences. They saw it as a family problem. To protect Amarjeet, his mother came up with an 'accident' story for his aunt.

His monstrous behavior didn't stop after this incident, and he began targeting innocent children. His next victim was his eight-month-old sister. He strangled his sister to death while she was sleeping one night. Hearing the infant's weak cries, Amarjeet's mother awoke to find the baby dead. His parents were both taken aback by Amarjeet's confession. But, once again, they didn't inform the police in order to protect their son and requested the neighbors not to tell anyone about the matter.

World's youngest serial killer

All of these incidents gave him the confidence to carry out his heinous deeds again. Khushboo, a 6-month-old infant girl in Amarjeet's neighborhood, was his next and final victim. In 2007, he discovered the baby sleeping alone. According to the infant's mother, she left the baby sleeping on the school ground because she needed to finish some chores. Amarjeet strangled the baby, carried her into the forest, smashed her face with a brick, and buried her in the grass. As soon as her mother arrived, she began looking for her child. Someone soon recalled Amarjeet carrying a child. He was arrested and taken into the police custody. He was constantly smiling and showed no remorse for his actions. When the police inspector questioned about the baby, he requested a packet of biscuits in exchange. He then confessed to all of his previous crimes.

However, under Indian law, he could not be convicted because he was too young to stand trial as an adult. As a result, he was sentenced to three years in a juvenile remand center. Amarjeet's psychological evaluation in the remand center found that he exhibits characteristics of psychopathy and sadism. Experts diagnosed him with "conduct disorder" and "oppositional defiant disorder," both of which cause violent behavior and make it difficult for him to distinguish between right and wrong. His criminal behavior, which included torturing or killing others, as well as being disconnected from basic human emotions, formed a dark image of a psychologically damaged individual.

Amarjeet Sada, arrested at the age of 8

It is widely believed that Amarjeet was released at the age of 18 in 2016, but there is little evidence to support this. His current state remains unknown but others assume he is living under a new identity.

The case of Amarjeet Sada serves as a stark reminder of humanity's ability for evil, regardless of age. Many questions are raised about the reasons for criminal behavior and the rehabilitation of young criminals, as well as the need for stronger child protection procedures to address possible symptoms of psychopathy in children.

Amarjeet Sada's name will be ever-associated to one of India's darkest criminal chapters. While his story is indeed disturbing, it also serves as an urgent reminder of the need of developing and protecting the well-being of young minds. It forces us to consider the sociocultural causes that lead to the development of such disturbed persons, as well as the critical need for support systems to address mental health issues in youngsters. It's a chilling reminder that even the most innocent-looking faces are capable of holding horrible thoughts.

Akku Yadav

 

If you've seen Netflix's original documentary series 'Indian Predator: Murder In A Courtroom,' you'll remember the criminal Akku Yadav. Certain names in criminal history send shivers down the spine, and Akku Yadav is one among them. Akku Yadav, real name Bharat Kalicharan, was an Indian serial rapist and murderer. During the late 20th century, he terrorized Nagpur with his horrific acts.

Bharat Kalicharan 'Akku Yadav'

Akku Yadav was born in the early 1970s in Nagpur, Maharashtra, in a poor family. He grew up on the outskirts of Nagpur in the Kasturba Nagar slum. According to police reports, the slum was an active center of criminal activity, with two clashing gangs leading Akku into the criminal world.

Yadav and his group used to commit a number of crimes, including extortion, rape, murder, and house invasion, with women being their main target. In 1991, Akku committed his first major crime, a gang rape. His illegal activities escalated in the early 2000s as he established his empire in Kasturba Nagar. He extorted money from the slum's residents and harmed those who defied him.

He has more than three murders and the rape of over 40 women and girls on his criminal record. He and his gang were known for kidnapping and torturing people. He has raped so many women that there is a rape victim in every other house in Kasturba Nagar. His youngest victim was a 10-year-old girl. Yadav used rape to silence those who opposed him. He bribed the police for letting him continue his crimes, which is why the police never intervened and supported his crimes for many years.

Women of the Kasturba Nagar slum

Understanding Yadav's crime demands a look at the socio-political context in which it took place. The slums of Nagpur were filled with poverty, unemployment, and a lack of opportunities Many residents were marginalized and vulnerable, particularly women. Yadav took advantage of these conditions and built a reign of terror with the support of political and criminal connections. Inadequate law enforcement and corruption facilitated Yadav's ability to carry out his heinous acts.

He committed numerous horrible crimes, many of which went unrecorded. Here are some of his crimes, as witnessed and described by victims in the reports.

• He stabbed a woman named Asha Bai in front of his 16-year-old granddaughter. He cut her ears and fingers in order to get her earring and rings.

• One victim informed police that he broke into their home early in the morning, stabbed his husband, and raped her for 3-4 hours.

• According to Kasturba Nagar residents, Yadav raped a woman just after her wedding.

• He stripped a man naked in front of his 16-year-old daughter and forced him to dance.

• Yadav assaulted a woman named Asho Bhagat by chopping off her breasts and hacking her to death on the street, in front of her daughter and neighbors.

• He murdered a neighbor who tried to report his crimes to the police.

• Yadav and his men gang-raped a woman just days after she gave birth.

• Yadav also raped a 7-month pregnant woman in front of the entire public.

Many of his victims attempted to report his crimes, but instead of assisting them, police informed Yadav about those people, leading Yadav to go after them. Many families have left Kasturba Nagar, and those who have remained have locked their daughters inside their homes in order to protect them. 

Usha Narayane in 'Indian Predator: Murder In A Courtroom'

When Usha Narayane learned about Yadav's actions, she advised one of the victims to file a report. She refused, so Narayane went to the police and filed a complaint, which caused Yadav to go after her next. Yadav and his group terrorized Narayane by surrounding her home and attempting to break down her door. However, as Narayane turned on the gas cylinder, she informed them that if they entered the house, she would blow herself and all of them up. They all left after smelling gas. However, Narayane's bravery encouraged the people to go after Yadav and his gang.

When Yadav and his men came across, many of the victims and others began throwing stones at them. Yadav's house was also burned down during one of these marches in 2004. Yadav then went to the police for protection and was taken into custody On August 7, 2004, he was scheduled to appear in the city district court, where he was attacked by a gang of slum people. After 5 days, his bail hearing in Nagpur's District Court was scheduled for 13 August 2004.

On that day, hundreds of women entered the courtroom, holding vegetable knives and chili powder, and took their seats. When Yadav entered the courtroom at about 3:00 p.m., he saw one of his rape victims and mocked her by calling her a prostitute, which raged the women there. These courageous women stormed at him and lynched him in front of the entire nation.

They all stabbed him, rubbed chili powder on his face, then chopped off his penis. The police, terrified by the scenario, fled, leaving Yadav to be attacked by hundreds of women. Yadav died on the floor of Nagpur District Court No.7 within 15 minutes of the attack.

The courtroom where Yadav was lynched

There were multiple versions of lynching that emerged after the CID investigated the case. According to one police report, the lynching was carried out by four men and women who were attempting to protect them, while another version stated that both men and women were engaged. According to BBC News, the lynching was carried out by 14 women and many children who forced their way into the courtroom. The group of women, however, did not agree with any of the police statements. Yadav's death was celebrated by the residents of the Kasturba Nagar slum. Many women, including Usha Narayane, were arrested but then released due to a lack of evidence in 2014.

Women arrested for court lunching

The incident highlighted the failure of the justice system. His case sparked a national conversation on the urgent need for police reforms, better support systems for victims, and the upliftment of marginalized communities in order to protect them.

Documentary series on Akku Yadav

Film '200 Halla Ho'

Candles in the Wind, a documentary on Yadav's inhumane acts, came out in 2011. Keechaka, a controversial film inspired by Yadav, was released in 2015. Another Yadav-based criminal thriller film, 200 Halla Ho, was released in 2021.
Akku Yadav's story is a terrifying reminder of the horrors that can occur when law and order fail to protect the vulnerable. Yadav's reign of terror in Nagpur exposed the deeper issues of poverty, corruption, and gender-based violence that continue to haunt Indian society. It served as a wake-up call for everyone to fix the systemic flaws that enable criminals like him to exist. Only by addressing the root causes of crime and offering help and protection to the weak, we can hope to prevent the rise of such criminals in society.

 

 

 

 

KD Kempamma

 

Do you know about the first Indian woman convicted of serial murder in India? Although there are no official records, it is widely believed that KD Kempamma was the first female serial killer convicted in India.

KD Kempamma 'Cyanide Mallika'

KD Kempamma, also known as Cyanide Mallika, was a serial killer in the early 2000s who terrorizedterrorised the Indian states of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. She was born in 1970 into a poor family and grew up to become one of India's most known serial killers. Her story is an alarming reminder of the dark side of human nature and the horrors that might result from a life of poverty and abuse.

KD Kempamma was married to a tailor who abandoned her in 1988. Her husband threw her out of the house with their three children after her chit-fund business suffered major losses. She started doing odd jobs to make money. She used to steal from the homes where she works as a maid.

KD Kempamma began her killing spree in 1999, when she murdered a 30-year-old woman while she was praying at a temple. She then began to target ladies near temples who appeared to be in distress. Kempamma was arrested for the first time in 2001 while attempting to steal jewels from a house where she planned to perform a ceremony. She was sentenced to 6 months in prison and was freed after serving her term. Kempamma murdered five more women between October 10 and December 18, 2007. Her modus operandi was to pretend as a very religious lady in order to gain the trust of her victims. She listens to their problems and advises them to perform pooja in order to solve them.

Mallika, who claims to be well-versed in rituals, offers to organize puja at a private temple where she forces them to drink or eat cyanide-laced water and food. She would rob all of their goods and money once they were dead. She used to buy cyanide from jewelry stores, which used it to clean gold jewelry. She was given the title of 'Cyanide Mallika' due to her method of operation.

Kempamma is accused of murdering several women but has only been convicted of six. Her victims included a 52-year-old woman who was praying for her granddaughter, a 60-year-old woman who was praying for asthma relief, and her final victim, who was praying for a son because she was childless. Kempamma killed them all with cyanide and changed her identity after each murder. Police suspected her in 2009 when one of the deceased's relatives accused Kempamma of murder because she was the last person to contact the victim, Renuka. Some of the other families also came forward, claiming that Kempamma may have killed their missing family members because she knew all of them. All of these cases were linked to Kempamma, leading the authorities to suspect her.

Kempamma was arrested at a bus stop on December 31, 2008. Some of the people told police about her when she tried to sell the victims' jewels. During the police investigation, she admitted that the primary purpose of her actions was robbery. Kempamma was convicted in different trials of various murders. She was sentenced to death in 2012. Kempamma was the first woman in Karnataka to be sentenced to death. Kempamma made headlines again in 2017 for being V.K. Sasikala's jail neighbor.

Kempamma, neighbor of Sasikala in Bangalore Jail

The case of KD Kempamma exposed the dangers of elderly women living alone, as well as the risks of trusting strangers. The case received a lot of coverage in the media, and Kempamma became a household name in India. Her story has also been the subject of various films and documentaries. Cyanide Mallika, a Kannada language film based on her life, was released on February 26, 2021.

Kannada movie "Cyanide Mallika"

The story of Cyanide Mallika is a terrifying reminder of the dark side of human nature that can arise from a life of poverty and abuse. Her acts were horrible and irrational and her victims were clueless. Her story serves as a lesson to be aware of strangers, especially those who offer us help. It is a reminder of the importance of being more attentive and careful in today's world.

 

Raman Raghav

 

We've all heard about Jack the Ripper! However, India had its own Jack the Ripper, who terrorized the nation in the mid-1960s. Raman Raghav, also known as Anna, Thambi, and Sindhi Talwai, was a notorious serial murderer who terrorized Mumbai's streets in the 1960s. He was popularly known as Psycho Raman. He was infamous for his ruthless methods and was responsible for at least 41 murders. Raghav's acts were so horrific that he earned the title of "Mumbai maniac" from the media.

Raman Raghav 'Psycho Raman'

Raman Raghav was born in a Tamil Nadu village in 1929. His mother abandoned him when he was a young child, and his father was an alcoholic who often abused him. Raghav ran away from his home as a teenager and embarked on a life of petty crime, usually stealing to support himself. He later moved to Mumbai and started doing odd jobs, but his criminal activities continued to prevail.

Raghav's murder spree began in the mid-1960s. He mainly targeted homeless people such as pavement dwellers, slum residents, and drug users, believing they were easy prey. He would kill his victims by crushing them to death with a blunt item, such as a stone or a pipe. Raghav would frequently tear apart and sometimes cannibalize his victims' bodies. He was also believed to be a necrophiliac. His crimes were extremely horrific, shocking the entire city. The residents of Mumbai were in a state of panic. People were afraid of sleeping outside, or with open windows or balconies.

Raghav's news clipping

A similar series of murders had occurred a few years earlier in the Eastern suburbs of Mumbai in 1965-66. In that year,19 persons were attacked, 9 of them died. The police initially had no clues on the killer, but Raghav was captured in 1968 after hitting a man with a stone. The victim survived and was able to describe the attacker, which resulted in Raghav's arrest. Raman Raghav was discovered by the police to be an ordinary-looking man casually walking the streets with an umbrella. Raghav initially refused to answer any of the police questions. However, once the police fulfilled his desire to eat chicken, he revealed his crimes and even guided authorities to some of the murder sites. In his confession, he admitted to murdering 41 individuals in 1966 and nearly a dozen in 1968. He had no remorse for his crimes and even boasted about them.

Raghav was sentenced to death. However, before confirming the sentence, the High Court of India directed the Mumbai Surgeon General to examine whether or not the accused was of sound mind. He was interviewed five times for two hours each. His statements in interviews revealed his insane state. The following were the statements:

• He feels that individuals attempted to change his gender but were unsuccessful.

• Belief that others are attempting to put homosexual desires in his way so that he will convert to a woman.

• That homosexual intercourse would turn him into a woman.

• He often stated in interviews that he was a "101% man." 

• He had a general belief that the government brought him to Mumbai to commit crimes.

Raghav was considered to be mentally unstable after being diagnosed with chronic paranoid schizophrenia due to which he was unable to understand that his actions are contrary to the law. As a result, he was spared the death sentence. He was sent to a mental institution under Yerwada Central Jail, Pune, where he remained for the rest of his life. He died of kidney failure in 1995.

'Raman Raghav 2.0' 

The Raman Raghav case has been the topic of various films and documents including the 2016 film "Raman Raghav 2.0" directed by Anurag Kashyap. The criminal is portrayed as a distorted anti-hero in the film, and the film looks at what drives someone to indulge in such horrible acts.

Raman Raghav's acts were terrible and brutal, and he remains a renowned character in Indian criminal history. His story serves as a reminder of the horrors that people who are mentally ill can commit, as well as the importance of recognizing and treating mental illness.