Gay serial killer from Punjab, Ram Saroop, alias Sodhi, has confessed to a series of brutal murders spanning 18 months, targeting men who insulted his sexuality or refused to pay for his sexual services. The 33-year-old, operating primarily in Punjab’s highways and districts like Rupnagar, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Hoshiarpur, confessed to his emotional distress being the driving force behind his crimes.
The chilling tale involves Sodhi luring victims under false pretenses, and committing horrific murders, often after a financial dispute, which he connected to slurs about his body and identity. The emotional scars from his past, combined with rejection and insults, became the catalyst for his violent spree.
Gay Serial Killer from Punjab: A History of Pain and Revenge
Growing up in a troubled environment, Sodhi harbored deep psychological wounds that intensified over the years. He revealed that his obsession with dressing as a woman began in childhood when he secretly wore makeup and women’s clothes in the absence of his parents. His sexuality evolved during his time in Dubai, where he came to terms with his homosexuality. However, he felt deeply alienated and often faced emotional rejection, particularly from some of his victims who mocked him or refused his sexual services. The emotional torment was so severe that it eventually fueled his desire for revenge, manifesting in a spree of killings.
Sodhi’s first confirmed murder occurred in early 2024, when he killed Harpreet Singh, a retired army man, after a dispute over money following a sexual encounter. Harpreet had refused to pay the agreed-upon amount, which infuriated Sodhi and became the trigger for the horrific act.
The fact that he wrote “dhokebaaz” (cheater) in red ink on Harpreet’s body became a signature mark of his killings, symbolizing his twisted apology for taking a life. It was a bizarre ritual where, after each murder, he would touch the feet of his victims in a distorted gesture of seeking forgiveness. This act was tied to his deeply troubled psyche, as he felt betrayed by his victims, even though he was the one committing the heinous acts.
Emotional Turmoil and Deadly Reactions
The emotional scars from his past were further compounded by the way he was treated by others. Sodhi’s complex emotions were not merely directed at his victims but also deeply rooted in the abuse he suffered as a child and the rejection he faced as an adult due to his sexual identity. As he confessed during police interrogation, the last straw for him was the mocking comments made by his final victim, Maninder Singh, 37, who humiliated him about his appearance and sexuality.
This led to the murder of Maninder, a death that was meticulously planned in retaliation for the insults. The brutal murder took place after Maninder made disparaging remarks while asking for a lift on Sodhi’s motorbike. This violent act was the culmination of months of emotional torment and deep-rooted hatred.
Sodhi’s killings were not random; they followed a disturbingly consistent pattern. He would often lure men by offering sexual services, only for the encounter to end in murder if the victim failed to pay the agreed-upon price. The crime scenes would reveal the chilling evidence of Sodhi’s ritualistic behavior—his muffler, often used to strangle victims, was frequently left behind, a crucial clue that eventually led to his arrest.
How the Investigation Unraveled Sodhi’s Murders?
The investigation into Sodhi’s crime spree initially focused on a single murder, that of Maninder Singh. As the authorities delved deeper, it became evident that Sodhi was connected to a series of similar killings. During questioning, Sodhi admitted to killing at least 11 men, with some murders still under investigation. His emotional state, often exacerbated by alcohol, played a significant role in his violent behavior. Many of the murders took place in a haze of intoxication, making it difficult for him to remember all the victims he had taken. The police pieced together the grim pattern of his crimes, linking them to his deeply troubled personal life.
Sodhi’s family life also shed light on his disturbed mindset. Married with three children, his personal relationships were strained. His wife and children had abandoned him two years ago when they discovered his sexual orientation. This sense of isolation and abandonment only deepened his emotional suffering, feeding into the rage that would later manifest in his violent actions and give birth to a serial killer.
The Final Steps: Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
Sodhi’s capture came after he made a seemingly small mistake—a muffler, often worn as part of his disguise, was found at the crime scene of Maninder Singh’s murder. This evidence led to his eventual arrest. During the investigation, Sodhi revealed that he had been actively seeking more victims, disguised as a woman, when he was apprehended. Despite the brutality of his crimes, his capture has provided a sense of closure to the families of his victims, though the full extent of his crimes is still being uncovered.
The investigation continues as police explore potential links to additional murders. Sodhi’s arrest has brought to light a series of gruesome killings that shook Punjab, unraveling a tragic tale of emotional pain, revenge, and violence. His case has become a dark chapter in the region’s criminal history, raising questions about the psychological factors that can drive someone to commit such horrific acts and become a serial killer.
Sodhi’s case has not only captured public attention for its brutality but also for the deep emotional trauma that fueled his actions. It serves as a haunting reminder of the psychological scars that can shape a person’s identity and the dangerous consequences when those scars are left untreated. The police continue to investigate his crimes, and Sodhi will likely face further scrutiny as authorities uncover more details about his violent past and troubled emotional state.