Serial killer kills 8 men one by one till the ninth survived

 

By Sumesh Rajan | June 25, 2026

Baloda Bazar, Chhatisgarh, INDIA: A 46-year-old grocery shop owner from Chhattisgarh's Baloda Bazar district has been arrested for allegedly poisoning eight men to death over a span of four months by serving them liquor laced with a toxic substance. The shocking case came to light after a ninth victim survived and alerted authorities, leading investigators to uncover what police describe as a serial killing spree.

The accused, Ramsahay Jaiswal, a resident of Kharve village, was arrested on June 22. According to police, Jaiswal allegedly targeted villagers against whom he held personal grudges, inviting them to his home for drinks before serving them alcohol mixed with borax, locally known as suhaga.

A Deadly Pattern

Investigators said the modus operandi remained identical in every case. Jaiswal allegedly ensured that each victim came alone to his house in the evening. He would then serve liquor allegedly mixed with borax, a substance commonly used in villages as rat poison or insecticide.

The victims reportedly fell seriously ill shortly after consuming the alcohol and died within one or two days. Since the deaths appeared natural and occurred separately over several months, no suspicion was initially raised.

Police said Jaiswal often accompanied victims' families to hospitals and even attended funeral ceremonies, further diverting suspicion from himself. In several cases, victims were never taken to medical facilities because relatives did not initially consider their symptoms serious.

Trial Run on a Dog

According to investigators, Jaiswal first tested his method earlier this year by allegedly poisoning a dog. After confirming the effectiveness of the substance, he reportedly purchased borax on three separate occasions and began targeting villagers he believed had wronged him.

Eight Victims, Different Motives

The alleged killing spree began on February 6 with the death of 58-year-old Badri Patel. Police said Jaiswal blamed Patel for repeatedly abusing him and demanding liquor.

Subsequent victims included Buthalu Sahu (60), allegedly targeted over caste-related insults against Jaiswal's Kalaar community; Budhram Jaiswal (60), linked to a land dispute; Chhattu Ram Sahu, whom the accused allegedly suspected of having an interest in his wife; Vinod Kumar Sahu (38), accused by Jaiswal of repeatedly abusing him; Gajanand Manjhi (55), whom Jaiswal allegedly believed was using occult practices against him; Chaituram Sahu (58), from whom the accused had reportedly borrowed ₹50,000; Mahetru Ram Sahu (41), allegedly targeted for repeatedly taunting him. 

Police claim each victim died after consuming poisoned liquor served by the accused.

Survivor Helped Crack the Case

The case unravelled when Kartik Kumhar, who allegedly had a previous dispute with Jaiswal, accepted an invitation for drinks on April 14. Soon after returning home, Kumhar fell ill and was admitted to hospital.

Before his condition worsened, Kumhar reportedly informed family members that he had consumed alcohol with Jaiswal. Growing suspicious after learning about several similar deaths in the village, relatives approached police on June 6.

Massive Investigation Launched

Following the complaint, police initiated an extensive investigation. Seven bodies were exhumed and sent to Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital in Raipur for post-mortem examinations.

Inspector General of Police Amresh Mishra said a special medico-legal team conducted autopsies and preserved DNA samples, viscera and other forensic evidence for detailed analysis.

"After receiving the complaint, we immediately launched an inquiry. Separate teams were assigned to collect forensic evidence and question villagers to establish the sequence of events," Mishra said.

Police have also identified individuals who allegedly supplied borax to Jaiswal. Investigators said the accused had told suppliers that he needed the substance to kill rats.

The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic reports expected to play a crucial role in strengthening the prosecution's case.