Psycho Shankar: The Shadow of Brutality
Crime and humanity have always coexisted since time immemorial. Like a shadow, these tendencies are deeply rooted within our consciousness. It is often said that we have all contemplated killing someone; this is a fact that none can deny. In the interplay of the Ego, Id, and Superego, our experiences, teachings, and societal norms dictate our actions. While some act on their every instinct, others rationalise and repress these emotions. In this sense, aren’t we all just potential criminals?
In the third chapter of Crime Insights by The Aartery Chronicles, join me on a journey to discover Psycho Shankar, one of India’s most notorious serial killers. Prepare for chills to creep down your spine.
– Dr Darshit Patel
Psycho Shankar (M. Shankrappa) is an Indian serial killer who instilled terror with his cold-blooded murders and assaults, mainly targeting women. Shankar was a Rapist and a Murderer who had committed more than 15 murders, 30 rapes and managed to escape twice. Unlike Bundy, Shankar’s lack of charm and raw brutality marked him as a particularly vicious criminal. This article explores Shankar’s psychological profile, motivations, and the investigation, and his timeline of Crimes.
Crime Line of "Psycho Shankar"
Shankar attempts to Rape & Murder Shyamala, 45 near Hosur
Shankar Murders a Police Constable - M Jayamani
Shankar gets Arrested by Tripur Police
Shankar commits around 13 Rape and Murders
Shankar escaped Police custody
Shankar Murdered & Raped 6 women, killed a man and a child in 2 months
Shankar is arrested again by Jhalki Police
Shankar is sentenced to 10 years of Imprisonment
Shankar escapes from Prison
Shankar is arrested by the Bangalore Police
Shankar commits Suicide, Inmates find him lying in a pool of his own blood
Motives
Shankar’s motivation, similar to many psychopaths, was rooted in control and violence. He derived satisfaction from overpowering women, a reflection of deep sexual frustrations and resentment. His attacks were often sexually motivated, and many of his victims were chosen at random. This randomness contributed to the difficulty in tracking him down.
Psychological Profile
Shankar exhibited traits of psychopathy and sexual sadism. Classified under Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) in the DSM-5 and Dissocial Personality Disorder in ICD-10, his lack of empathy, deceitfulness, and impulsive aggression characterised his crimes. However, his modus operandi lacked sophisticated manipulation.
His sadistic pleasure stemmed from dominating and brutalizing women, fueled by deep-seated rage, possibly from personal life traumas. Shankar’s impulsive behaviour reflected a disturbed mental state, marked by an inability to control his violent urges, which were deeply rooted in sexual deviance.
“I don’t feel anything when I kill, they were easy targets."
I don’t feel anything when I kill, they were easy targets."
Clinical Classification of Psycho Shankar
Surinder Koli’s psychological profile fits within the clinical frameworks of both ICD-11 and DSM-5:
Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)
- DSM-5 Code: 301.7
- ICD-10 Code: F60.2
Sexual Sadism Disorder
- DSM-5 Code: 302.84
Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD)
DSM-5 Code: 301.7 (Antisocial Personality Disorder)
Definition: A pervasive pattern of disregard for the rights of others, occurring since age 15, as indicated by three or more of the following:
- Failure to conform to social norms regarding lawful behaviour.
- Deceitfulness, as indicated by lying, use of aliases, or conning others.
- Impulsivity or failure to plan.
- Irritability and aggressiveness, as indicated by repeated physical fights or assaults.
- Reckless disregard for the safety of self or others.
- Consistent irresponsibility, as indicated by failure to sustain consistent work behaviour or honour financial obligations.
- Lack of remorse for actions.
Sexual Sadism Disorder:
Sexual Sadism Disorder is characterised by intense sexual arousal from the physical or psychological suffering of another person. Individuals with this disorder typically fantasize, inflict, or act on these sadistic impulses during sexual activities, which may involve humiliation, restraint, or physical violence. In extreme cases, the actions can result in severe injury or even death. The DSM-5 categorizes it under paraphilic disorders, and a diagnosis requires these behaviours to cause significant distress or impair normal functioning.
In legal contexts, individuals with Sexual Sadism Disorder who commit crimes may face criminal charges, including assault, sexual violence, or murder. Courts often consider the psychological state of the offender, and if diagnosed, they might be mandated to undergo psychiatric treatment or confined to a mental health facility. However, criminal responsibility usually remains intact unless the individual is declared legally insane, which is rare in cases of sexual sadism. Judges may also impose stricter sentences due to the dangerous and repetitive nature of the offender’s behaviour.
What Made Him Commit the Crimes?
Shankar’s violent tendencies were likely triggered by a combination of personal trauma and innate psychopathic traits. His inability to empathise or form healthy emotional connections led him to vent his anger and frustration on vulnerable women. As with many serial offenders, the more he killed, the greater his need for control and power.
Childhood Trauma:
He had a troubled childhood, growing up in a dysfunctional family in Karnataka, India. His early life was marked by abuse and instability, with reports of neglect and harsh treatment from his parents. His criminal tendencies began in his teenage years, with petty thefts and escalating violence. Shankar’s experiences in juvenile detention centres further hardened him, cultivating a deep resentment toward society. His psychological trauma from these early experiences likely fueled his later sadistic tendencies, where control and violence became his outlets for deep-seated rage.
One of Psycho Shankar’s most gruesome crimes involved the rape and murder of a young woman in Bengaluru. Shankar targeted the woman while she was alone, violently attacking her before dragging her to a secluded area. His method was characterized by brutal force, sexual assault, and ultimately, murder, leaving his victims in degrading conditions. Shankar’s crimes often involved random selection, heightening the fear in communities as his attacks escalated in brutality until his capture in 2011.
Crime Investigation
Shankar was apprehended after a nationwide manhunt, as his string of murders and rapes left authorities scrambling for leads. Unlike Bundy, who evaded capture through charm and manipulation, Shankar was less methodical, relying on violence and brute force. His capture in 2011 marked the end of a horrific killing spree, but it also highlighted systemic failures in tracking dangerous offenders across states in India.
Suicide:
After being sentenced to 10 years in prison for various crimes, Shankar tragically took his own life in February 2018. He was found in his cell at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison with severe injuries, reportedly having used a shaving blade to slit his throat.
Reports indicate that he had been suffering from depression and had been under treatment while incarcerated. (Sources: Deccan Chronicle, The New Indian Express)
Conclusion
Psycho Shankar’s case stands as a reminder of the capacity for extreme human cruelty. Though less complex than Ted Bundy’s, his crimes were no less brutal. His psychological detachment from his victims and lack of remorse offer chilling insights into the workings of a sadistic mind. As India continues to grapple with crime and law enforcement challenges, Shankar’s case underscores the need for more efficient tracking and prevention measures for violent offenders.
Series, articles, and movies based on Shankar
This documentary delves into the psychology of various serial killers, including Psycho Shankar. It explores their motivations and the societal impact of their crimes. Check it out on platforms like YouTube or streaming services.
This crime series features various notorious criminals in India, including Psycho Shankar, discussing their methods and the police efforts to capture them. More information can be found on platforms like Disney+ Hotstar.
They have featured articles discussing Psycho Shankar’s criminal activities and the broader context of crime in India. You can find relevant articles here.
Offers detailed reports on criminal cases, including Psycho Shankar’s crimes. Articles related to him can be found here.
A movie inspired by Psycho Shankar's life and crimes, available on various streaming platforms. Search for it on platforms like Amazon Prime or Netflix for availability.
Although not solely focused on Psycho Shankar, this series explores dark themes similar to those in his crimes. Available on Disney+ Hotstar, more details can be found here.
Deccan Chronicle: This article provides an overview of Psycho Shankar’s life, his criminal activities, and details about his death in prison. Read more here.
The New Indian Express: This piece discusses the investigation into his crimes, including the psychological aspects and the impact on the communities affected. Read more here.
India Today: This article offers insights into his criminal history and the details surrounding his capture and subsequent imprisonment. Read more here.
- Times of India: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/salem/30-rapes-15-murders-2-escapes-psycho-shankar-terror-reign-ends/articleshow/63104820.cms
Author:
Dr Darshit Patel, MD General Medicine
