Over 13 months, nine women were murdered across rural pockets of Bareilly, triggering fear, rumours and unanswered questions.
By July 2024, police said the killings followed a chillingly similar pattern. Women aged between 45 and 65 were found strangled in sugarcane fields, their bodies discovered within a limited geographical radius. What initially appeared to be isolated crimes soon revealed the signature of a serial offender.
This is how the police pieced it together.
A Pattern Emerges
The first body was discovered on 5 June 2023. By July 2024, nine women had been found murdered over a span of just over a year. All the victims were killed within a 25 kilometre radius of two police stations in Bareilly district: Thana Shahi and Sheeshgarh.
Investigators said there was no evidence of sexual assault. However, every victim had been strangled using clothing they were wearing, either a saree, chunni or dupatta. The bodies were abandoned in or near sugarcane fields, suggesting familiarity with the terrain.
Police later said the accused referred to his victims as “shikaar”, meaning prey, and showed no remorse during questioning.
The Killer’s Modus Operandi
According to investigators, the man targeted women who were alone, working in agricultural fields, typically around noon. He would approach them casually, strike up a conversation and then lure them a short distance away from the field.
Police said he demanded sexual favours. When the women resisted, he became instantly violent, strangling them using their own clothing. In several cases, the accused allegedly kept personal belongings such as bangles, lipstick, blouse pieces and identity cards as trophies.
This behaviour, officers said, was a crucial indicator that they were dealing with a serial offender rather than random acts of violence.
Launching Operation Talash
As panic spread among residents, the Uttar Pradesh Police launched a dedicated campaign called Operation Talash.
Twenty-two teams were formed to comb the area. Officers reviewed CCTV footage, deployed personnel in uniform and plain clothes, and conducted door-to-door interactions in villages near the crime scenes. Psychologists and medical professionals were also consulted to help profile the offender.
Police later said the suspect was not mentally ill but methodical, focused and careful while committing the crimes.
A Breakthrough at a Tea Stall
The breakthrough came from an unexpected source. While questioning locals, police were alerted by a tea stall worker who claimed a man often bragged about murders while drinking tea. The man allegedly mocked the police for failing to catch him despite their efforts.
Acting on this tip, police intensified surveillance and, on 6 August 2024, released three sketches of the suspect. A reward of Rs 25,000 was announced for information leading to his arrest.
The Arrest
Three days later, police arrested 35 year old Kuldeep Kumar. Officers said his appearance closely matched two of the three sketches released earlier.
During interrogation, Kuldeep allegedly confessed to killing six women. Police took him to multiple crime scenes, where they said he accurately described how and when the murders were committed. Several belongings of the victims were also recovered from him.
What the Investigation Revealed
Investigators said Kuldeep had a troubled personal history. He allegedly faced abuse during childhood after his father remarried. In 2014, he married, but his wife later left him, citing aggressive behaviour and domestic violence.
Police believe these experiences fuelled deep resentment towards women, which later manifested in extreme violence.
What About the Remaining Murders
While Kuldeep has confessed to six murders, three other killings with similar patterns are still under investigation. Police have sought extended custody to determine whether he is responsible for all nine cases.
Officials say the investigation is ongoing, and further forensic and behavioural analysis is being conducted to establish the full extent of his involvement.
