The Stoneman of India is the name given to an unidentified serial killer who is believed to have terrorized the streets of Mumbai in 1983 and later Kolkata in the late 1980s. The killer targeted homeless individuals, typically while they were sleeping, using a heavy stone to crush the victims’ heads. Because the murders were executed in the same manner, they were believed to be the work of a single individual, earning the assailant the name “The Stoneman.”
The Timeline and Locations
The first wave of these attacks took place in Mumbai, and the latter occurred in Kolkata. In both cities, the modus operandi was strikingly similar, almost eerily so. The victims were homeless people, and they were killed while they were sleeping, using a single, large stone or a concrete slab to crush their heads. The murders typically occurred in the dead of night, allowing the perpetrator to escape detection.
The Investigation
Despite intense media coverage and police scrutiny, no suspect was ever identified or arrested in either city. The police had a tough time due to the lack of witnesses and hard evidence. The methodology was so simple yet brutal that it left little evidence behind. Several suspects were questioned but eventually released due to lack of evidence.
Impact and Public Reaction
The killings caused widespread fear among the homeless population and generated significant media attention. Newspapers were filled with speculative reports, often quoting police officials and criminologists about the possible motivations and psychological profile of the killer. In Kolkata, some reports referenced comments by criminologist Dr. S.K. Roy, who suggested the killer might be suffering from a form of sadistic personality disorder, finding pleasure in the act of killing itself.
In Popular Culture
Given its mysterious and terrifying nature, the case has inspired various fictional accounts, documentaries, and articles. For instance, the 2009 Bollywood movie “Stoneman Murders” took creative liberties with the real-life events, providing its own speculative story about the hunt for the Stoneman.
Theories and Conjectures
Some theories suggested the work of multiple killers or copycat crimes. Yet the consistency in the method leaves room for doubt. Various psychologists and criminal profilers have conjectured that the killer might have been a misanthrope, with deep-rooted anger and a desire to kill society’s most vulnerable.
Safety Measures and Unresolved Questions
The Stoneman case remains unsolved and serves as a dark chapter in Indian criminal history. It forced urban municipalities to look into the welfare and safety of homeless populations, though much still needs to be done on that front.
The Stoneman of India remains one of the most enigmatic and elusive criminals in Indian history, and his story continues to fascinate and perplex both law enforcement agencies and the public to this day.