Ravinder Kumar (serial killer)

Ravinder Kumar, also known as the "Cyanide Killer" or "Ravinder Kumar Iqbal," was an Indian serial killer convicted of multiple murders in the state of Karnataka. Kumar operated primarily in and around the city of Bangalore between 1999 and 2006.

Modus Operandi:

Kumar preyed on women, often targeting those who were vulnerable, such as young women seeking employment or stranded travelers. He would typically lure his victims by offering them a ride or promising them a job. Once he gained their trust, he would take them to secluded locations, often lodges or isolated areas outside the city. There, he would administer cyanide, causing their deaths. Kumar would then steal their belongings, including jewelry and cash, which served as the apparent motive for the crimes.

Investigation and Arrest:

The series of disappearances and murders sparked widespread fear and concern in Bangalore. Police investigations eventually led to Kumar, based on circumstantial evidence and recovered stolen items. He was arrested in 2006.

Trial and Conviction:

The case against Ravinder Kumar was largely based on circumstantial evidence, forensic analysis, and his own confessions, which he later attempted to retract. He was initially convicted in several separate trials for the murders of multiple women. The courts relied heavily on evidence linking Kumar to the victims and the recovery of stolen property.

Sentencing and Execution:

Ravinder Kumar was sentenced to death for several of the murders he was convicted of. His appeals to higher courts, including the Supreme Court of India, were rejected. He was eventually executed in 2012 at the Hindalga Central Jail in Belgaum, Karnataka.

Significance:

The Ravinder Kumar case highlighted issues related to crime, policing, and the vulnerability of marginalized individuals in urban areas. The case also raised discussions about the use of circumstantial evidence in criminal trials and the debates surrounding capital punishment in India. The case remains a chilling reminder of the dark side of urban life and the importance of vigilance and community safety.