India’s rich history and diverse culture have also seen some horrifying tales of crime and serial killing unfold. Although these stories might not have gained the same level of attention as their American counterparts, they have left a lasting impact on the country. The Indian Predator series on Netflix has brought some of the most chilling representations of serial killings in India to a global audience.
One of the most infamous serial killers in India is Charles Sobhraj, believed to have killed at least 20 people, predominantly Western tourists, during the 1970s along the hippie trail of South Asia. Known as the Bikini Killer, due to the way he left most of his victims, Sobhraj managed to evade capture for a long time, earning him the nickname “The Serpent.” After convictions in both India and Nepal, Sobhraj was eventually released in 2022 due to his advanced age and deported to France. His crime spree and eventual capture are the focus of the Netflix series “The Serpent.”
Another terrifying figure in Indian criminal history is Raman Raghav, known as the Jack the Ripper of India. During the 1960s, he terrorized the streets of Mumbai, claiming the lives of at least 41 people, targeting random victims and using heavy, blunt objects as weapons. He was eventually sentenced to life imprisonment after being found to be schizophrenic.
The Nithari Killers case, also known as the Noida serial murders, shocked the nation in 2006. More than 16 victims, mostly children, fell victim to the heinous crimes. Despite initial accusations against Moninder Singh Pandher and his servant Surinder Koli, they were subsequently acquitted, leaving the case unresolved to this day. The case has left many unanswered questions and remains one of the most haunting unsolved crimes in India.
Jolly Joseph, a notorious figure from Kerala, is said to have killed six people over a 14-year period. Her crimes, driven by a desire for family property, culminated in her deadly use of cyanide poisoning. After suspicions were raised by her husband’s brother, Joseph was finally caught, putting an end to her reign of terror.
These horrifying tales of serial killers in India shed light on the dark side of the country’s history, reminding us of the heinous acts that have plagued different parts of the nation. Each case serves as a chilling reminder of the capacity for evil that exists in every society, conveying the lasting impact these crimes have had on the collective consciousness of the country.