Why Do People Become Murderers? Understanding the Psychology of Serial Killers

Serial killers are people who both intrigue and terrify the whole society all over the world, and India is not an exception. Whether it is the infamous  spree of Raman Raghav in the 1960s or other recent cases such as Umesh Reddy and the strange murder sprees in Gujarat, such serial killers put a trail of terror and mystery behind them. But why would someone take lives again and again? What is the way to comprehend the perverted psyche of a serial killer and restore justice to the victims? The solution is in the new emerging science of forensic psychology and criminology - sciences that are becoming extremely crucial in India in the current times.

The question is, What Makes a Serial Killer Tick? The Psychology of the Criminals

Serial killers are not simple criminals but rather complicated creatures that were influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social issues. Consider, say Raman Raghav, one of the first registered serial killers of India. Raghav was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia and, under the influence of delusions and hallucinations, thought that he was instructed to kill by the government, which is known in the expert community as a type of a visionary killer. In some way, his acts of violence were the extension of his tortured mind and traumatic childhood.

This can be compared with the case of Umesh Reddy, a police constable who became a serial rapist and murderer. The crimes committed by Reddy were well planned and also characterized with a fetishistic tendency such as the collection of women's lingerie. His mental condition shows that he is very aggressive, power-seeking, and lacks empathy, which are characteristics of organized serial criminals.

Forensic specialists in Gujarat have recently examined several serial killers that preyed on vulnerable populations, typically because they feel the need to establish superiority or because they have to overcome their own inadequacies. What these cases demonstrate is that childhood abuse, social isolation and psychological disorders are like a deadly combination.

The Role of Forensic Psychology and Criminology

Such complicated minds cannot be understood by police work alone, but need scientific knowledge. This is the role of forensic psychology and criminology. They are interdisciplinary fields that integrate psychology, law, and criminal justice to understand the behavior of criminals, their motive, and their patterns. You can think of forensic psychologists as psychology detectives who have to interpret the scenes of the crime, interviews and evidence to create a profile that will help forestall and anticipate future crimes.

As an example, modus operandi (the way of operation) profiling of a serial killer assists police in linking apparently unrelated crimes. It also helps to comprehend what triggers the offender and what are his vulnerabilities which is essential to the interrogation and rehabilitation tactics.

Why do Indian Students need to think about Forensic Psychology and Criminology Careers?

The growing rates of crimes and the sophistication of criminal activities in India demand additional professionals who are trained in these fields. Earning a degree in forensic psychology or criminology will prepare the student to:

• Scientifically analyze the behavior of criminals
• Help in criminal investigation through psychological profiling
• Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to crack cases
• Inform policymaking and crime prevention strategies
• Counsel and rehabilitate the victims.

Specialised courses in these areas are now available in institutes all over India, combining theory and practical training. Career options include employment in police agencies and crime technical laboratories, as well as research and education.

Science to Serve Justice: The Indian Scenario

The Indian government appreciates the role of forensic sciences within the criminal justice system. The Offender profiling and assistance in investigations has been made possible by agencies such as the Directorate of Forensic Sciences (DFS), Gandhinagar. Having a larger number of trained professionals will help India to solve more crimes and deliver justice quickly and reasonably.