Punjab: Serial Killer Who Killed 11 Men After Giving Lift, Arrested; Wrote "Dhokebaaz" On Deceased's Back

A man accused of killing 11 people over 18 months in Punjab was apprehended on Tuesday. The suspect, Ram Saroop, aged 33, hails from Chaura village in Hoshiarpur's Garhshankar area. Police revealed that he targeted men by offering them rides, engaging in sexual acts, and then robbing and murdering them. Most victims were strangled with cloth or suffered head injuries.

Authorities disclosed that Saroop confessed to the murders during an interrogation following his arrest for killing a 37-year-old man at Toll Plaza Modra on August 18. He admitted to committing ten additional murders. Investigations are ongoing to confirm these claims, with five cases already verified by the police.

Details of the Murders

The killings occurred across Rupnagar, Hoshiarpur, and Fatehgarh districts. Among the victims was a 34-year-old tractor repairer beaten to death on April 5 and a young man found dead in a car on January 24. In one instance, Saroop wrote 'Dhokebaaz' (cheater) on the back of a former soldier turned security guard after killing him.

Saroop reportedly worked as a labourer and struggled with drug addiction. He claimed to feel remorse after each murder, often touching the victims' feet and seeking forgiveness. However, he stated that he only committed these acts while intoxicated and has no memory of them now.

Personal Life and Arrest

The accused was married with three children but was abandoned by his family two years ago due to his homosexuality. "We have arrested the accused. He will be produced before the court soon," a police official confirmed.