Punjab Police Arrest Serial Killer: 33-Year-Old Confesses to Murders of 11 Men Over 18 Months

Ropar (The Uttam Hindu): Ropar police have arrested a 33-year-old man, Ram Saroop alias Sodhi, for allegedly murdering 11 men over the past 18 months. A resident of Chaura village in Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur district, the accused reportedly targeted men by offering them lifts or engaging in sexual acts.

Motive and Methods

According to the police, the murders were primarily motivated by disputes, often related to victims' refusal to pay promised sums of money. During interrogation, Saroop confessed to the murders, with five cases already confirmed. Investigations are ongoing to identify the remaining victims.

SP Navneet Singh Mahal stated, “In most cases, Saroop reportedly strangled his victims with a piece of cloth, though some victims died from head injuries inflicted by blunt objects like bricks.” One particular murder attracted significant attention when the accused wrote “dhokhebaz” (cheater) on the back of the deceased, a former soldier who was working as a security guard in Ropar.

Identified Victims

One of the victims was Maninder Singh, 37, a tea server at Modra toll plaza, who was murdered on August 18. His body was found in bushes near a petrol pump on Manali Road. Another victim, Mukander Singh Billa, 34, a tractor repairman, was beaten to death on April 5, and his body was discovered on Panjehra Road, Barha Pind.

Investigation Underway

Police have linked Saroop to murders in Ropar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Hoshiarpur districts. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Gulneet Singh Khurana stated, “During his interrogation, the accused admitted to committing murders in Fatehgarh Sahib and Hoshiarpur districts as well. We have taken him into police remand to further uncover the extent of his crimes.” Saroop's family abandoned him two years ago due to his homosexuality. Medical tests will determine if he is HIV-positive, according to authorities. The police are continuing their investigation into the case, striving to bring justice to the victims and their families.