UP 'psycho killer' who strangled 9 women using saris arrested
The Uttar Pradesh Police claims to have arrested the "serial killer" who allegedly strangled nine women in Bareilly district over a span of 13 months. The accused, identified as 38-year-old Kuldeep Kumar Gangwar, was apprehended on August 8 following an extensive search operation named "Operation Talaash." The police investigation involved 22 dedicated teams, over 150 searches, tracking of 1.5 lakh mobile phone numbers, and a 24-hour war room.
Gangwar kept victims' personal items as 'trophies'
According to the police, Gangwar allegedly kept personal effects of his victims as "trophies," including identity cards, bindis, and lipsticks. They believe his troubled childhood marked by physical abuse from his stepmother could have contributed to his killer psychology. "He developed much hate and anger for his stepmother and other women," said a police officer on condition of anonymity.
Gangwar confessed to 6 murders during interrogation
During the interrogation, Gangwar confessed that he targeted women whom he found alone in fields and jungle areas. If they resisted his sexual advances, he would become violent and strangle them using their saris. However, no confirmation of sexual assault was found in any of the post-mortem reports. Gangwar confessed to six murders during the interview, but evidence links him to three more, police said.
First murder occurred on in 2023
The first murder occurred on June 17, 2023, when a woman named Premwati was found strangled in a field near Dhaneta Fatak area under Shahi police station limits in Bareilly. Similar cases followed, with victims found strangled in the same manner. To identify suspects, authorities established a 25-kilometer radius surrounding the Shahi and Shishgarh police stations. The UP police called in experts from Mumbai who specialize in these cases and consulted clinical psychiatrists.
Gangwar arrested near Mathiya river banks
The breakthrough came when some people reported having seen Gangwar commit a murder, which helped the police create his first sketch. Gangwar was finally identified and arrested by a team from Shahi police station near the banks of the Mathiya river, thanks to a tip and previously prepared sketches and videos. The accused will undergo a mental health test as part of the ongoing investigation.
