A serial killer, responsible for the murder of 11 women over the past 13 months, was arrested in Bareilly on Friday.

The suspect, identified as Kuldeep Gangwar of Nawabganj was caught following a detailed investigation that unveiled a pattern of crimes linked to him.

According to the police, Kuldeep, 40, confessed to strangling the women.

The murders followed a consistent pattern –victims were strangled with their own clothing, and the crimes occurred in isolated areas or forests. The case remained unsolved until recently, when authorities shifted their focus to the possibility of a serial killer.

The breakthrough came through a significant operation named ‘Talash’, which involved the creation of a dedicated task force and extensive surveillance. Police examined 150 places, tracked 1,50,000 mobile phone numbers and reviewed 1,500 CCTV footage. They also enlisted the help of experts from Mumbai who specialise in such cases.

A major lead emerged when a sketch of the suspect, matching Kuldeep’s description, was confirmed in a tip-off. Kuldeep’s arrest followed his admission of guilt in police custody.

He revealed that his mental instability and personal issues, including a troubled relationship with his wife, drove him to commit the murders.

The police investigation also focused on the Shahi and Sheeshgarh areas, where the crimes were concentrated. The murders, all committed in a similar manner, involved strangulation with victims’ sarees or dupattas. The women were aged between 40 and 62 years.

The arrest of Kuldeep marks a significant development in resolving such heinous crimes. The police have now completed their investigation and will present their findings in detail.