LUCKNOW: Nine women have been killed in a disturbingly similar manner over the past 13 months, their bodies found hanging by their own saris in sugarcane fields. The village of Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh has been gripped by fear, with concerns growing over the possibility of a serial killer on the loose. The police are intensifying their efforts to identify and apprehend the culprit.

According to the police, it is suspected that the women, aged 40-55, were first suffocated with their own saris before being hanged. Last year, eight women were killed in the bordering regions of Shahi, Shishgarh and Shergarh. The bodies, found stripped in sugarcane fields, showed no signs of rape. The murders were particularly frequent last year, with three in June, two each in July, August, and October and two in November. This spate of killings led to the deployment of around 300 additional police officers in the area, with 14 patrolling teams and increased surveillance on known criminals. Three suspects have been arrested, bringing some relief to the locals.

However, the recent discovery of a ninth victim has reignited concerns. The body of 45-year-old Anita Devi from Hospur village was found hanging in a sugarcane field after she had gone to the bank. Her death has stirred renewed fear in the community.

In response, the police have released three sketches of the suspect, based on interviews with locals from the areas where the murders occurred. The police remain confident that they will soon identify and arrest the culprit.