In a rural area of Bareilly district, fear has intensified as nine women have been murdered in a disturbingly similar manner over the past 14 months. The crimes, occurring within a 25km radius across villages covered by two police stations, reveal a chilling pattern. All victims, aged between 45 and 55, were strangled in fields around noon, found with disheveled clothing but no signs of sexual assault.
Police Investigation and Suspected Serial Killer
Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar told TOI, “Our teams have been investigating this case for six months and have not ruled out the possibility of a serial killer due to the nearly identical modus operandi of the murders. Based on some leads, we have now released sketches of three suspects.”
Bareilly SSP Anurag Arya added, “The pattern is clear—strangulation around noon, bodies dumped in farms, and post-mortem ruling out sexual assault. Our investigations, including electronic surveillance, have hit a dead end.”
Arrests and Ongoing Confusion
Authorities suspect that three men previously arrested might not be the true culprits, as the murders continued even while they were in custody. Senior officials are now examining details of prisoners who were recently bailed or released. With conventional methods failing, police have resorted to traditional investigative techniques, releasing sketches of suspects after interviewing farmers in about 90 villages.
Timeline of the Murders
The first murder occurred in June last year, with the most recent victim found on July 3 in the Shahi Sheeshgarh area. By November, the death toll had risen to eight, causing widespread panic. Although three men were arrested, the murders continued, leading to further confusion and fear. The killings briefly stopped for seven months before resuming on July 3.
Community Reactions and Police Efforts
SSP Anurag Arya expressed his frustration: “The pattern is clear—strangulation around noon, bodies dumped in farms, and post-mortem ruling out sexual assault. Our investigations, including electronic surveillance, have hit a dead end.”
Interestingly, investigators believe the three arrested suspects might not be the real offenders, as the killings continued while they were imprisoned. Authorities are now focusing on individuals recently released on bail. The police have returned to traditional methods, including the release of suspect sketches after extensive interviews with local farmers.
Fear Grips Rural Bareilly
As the investigation continues, the threat of a serial killer looms over rural Bareilly. Dharampura gram pradhan Sharif Khan noted, “Despite CCTV cameras and constant vigilance, the killer remains at large. We have advised our women to move around in groups for their own safety.”
Residents are gripped by fear and uncertainty, with community member Suraj Gangwar expressing frustration: “It’s been over a year, and all the police have done is release sketches. This suspense is terrifying.”