The carnage of Dr. Santosh Pol
Dr. Santosh Pol, often dubbed the "Doctor Death of Maharashtra", is a chilling example of a serial killer hiding behind the veil of medical care in India.
Key Details:
Full Name: Dr. Santosh Pol
Location: Satara district, Maharashtra, India
Victims: 6 confirmed (possibly more)
Active: 2003–2016
Method: He used succinylcholine, a muscle relaxant that causes paralysis and respiratory arrest, often used in surgery under strict supervision.
---
Modus Operandi:
Dr. Pol presented himself as a kind village doctor offering free or low-cost medical help, particularly to vulnerable individuals like women, domestic workers, or people with little family support. He would:
Gain the trust of his victims.
Invite them for treatment or offer injections under the pretense of curing an illness.
Administer lethal doses of succinylcholine.
Dispose of their bodies in his backyard or other concealed areas.
---
Capture and Investigation:
His crimes came to light in 2016, when police investigated the disappearance of a woman named Mangala Jedhe. The investigation led to Dr. Pol’s home, where five more bodies were recovered. All were buried on his property.
He confessed to the murders during interrogation and reportedly showed no remorse, referring to himself as a "social worker" ridding society of "bad elements"—a disturbing attempt at justification.
---
Motive:
His motives appeared to be a mix of power, control, and personal vendettas, rather than financial gain. He seemed to have a god-complex, seeing himself as judge and executioner.
---
Legal Outcome:
As of the latest public reports, Dr. Pol was arrested and held in custody awaiting trial. The case shocked India, especially rural communities where trust in local practitioners is high.