Punjab police arrested a 33-year-old man, identified as Ram Saroop from Chaura village in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, on Tuesday in connection with the gruesome murders of at least 11 individuals over an 18-month period. The accused, who was a former labourer and a drug addict, allegedly murdered his victims after offering them lifts, robbing them, and engaging in violent altercations that led to death.
Serial Killer’s Modus Operandi: Giving Rides, Robbing the Victims
The police stated that Saroop mainly targeted men and gave them lifts before forcing them into sexual acts. After committing the acts, the perpetrator would steal from the men and if they resisted or were unwilling to give him their money, he would end up killing them. Investigations indicated that the murders used different modes, such as-strangulation by pieces of cloth and bludgeoning on the head.
In one chilling case, Saroop allegedly wrote “Dhokebaaz” (cheater) on a victim‘s back. The victim was one of his many victims who was working as a private factory security guard after his retirement as a soldier.
The killing spree of the serial killer had taken place in different districtslike Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh.
The police initially arrested Saroop on August 18 for a 37-year-old tea and water vendor, killed at the Toll Plaza Modra. During furtherinterrogations, Saroop confessed to the murders of 10 more, most of which have since been confirmed. The police are still investigating the other deaths attributed to him, including the murder of a tractor repairer on April 5 and a young man found dead in a car on January 24.
Accused Reveals Personal Struggles and Remorse
Saroop, a drug addict, admitted to committing the murders while under the influence of substances and claimed to have no memory of the killings. He reportedly touched the victims’ feet and begged for forgiveness after each murder in a haunting display of remorse. Even though his actions are rather disturbing, Saroop claimed that he was abandoned by his family two years ago after they outed him as homosexual. He was married with three children before his family deserted him.
Authorities Take Action and Arrest the Suspect
The police have confirmed Saroop’s arrest and stated that he will be presented before the court shortly. Investigations continue into the remaining unsolved murders connected to the serial killer’s rampage across Punjab.
This case has sent shockwaves through the region, and local authorities are working to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
