Now comes the chapter in which we discuss serial killers from South Asia, including Pakistan. This chapter focuses on some of the most infamous and shocking cases in the region—killers whose crimes not only made headlines but also reshaped societal perceptions of evil.
Javed Iqbal: The Lahore Child Killer
Javed Iqbal stands out as one of the most horrifying and psychologically complex serial killers in South Asia, particularly due to the sheer number of his victims and the cold, calculating nature of his confessions. His crimes shocked not only Pakistan but also the entire world due to their scale, his motivation, and the bizarre way he turned himself in.
Profile Summary
Full Name: Javed Iqbal Mughal
Born: October 8, 1961 – Lahore, Pakistan
Died: October 8, 2001 – Found dead in prison (allegedly suicide)
Victims: 100 boys (ages mostly between 6 and 16)
Active Years: 1998–1999
Method: Rape, strangulation, dismemberment, acid disposal
Final Sentence: Death by strangulation, dismemberment, and acid (same as victims) — not carried out due to his death in custody
Background and Early Life Javed Iqbal was born into a wealthy, influential family in Lahore. His father was a businessman who ensured Iqbal had access to education and a comfortable life. Despite these privileges, Iqbal grew up socially isolated and reportedly struggled with his sexual identity. He reportedly became deeply resentful and emotionally disturbed, especially after a police raid in the late 1990s allegedly exposed him to humiliation and abuse.
The Confession and Arrest In December 1999, Iqbal shocked the world by voluntarily confessing through a five-page letter sent to police and media outlets, claiming:
"I had vowed to kill 100 children to avenge the cruelty done to me."
He also left diaries, photos of victims, and bags of clothing and remains at his home in Lahore as evidence. He initially went into hiding but later surrendered at the offices of a newspaper.
Method of Killing Iqbal's method was chillingly systematic:
Lured street children by offering shelter, food, or money
Sexually assaulted them
Strangled them
Dismembered their bodies
Dissolved remains in acid-filled drums
He photographed each victim and documented the killings. Remains were often flushed into the sewer system.
Psychological Traits He exhibited sadistic narcissism, deep-seated resentment, and a disturbing lack of remorse. His case raised critical questions about child protection and criminal justice in Pakistan. He remains one of the most prolific child murderers in recorded history.
Raman Raghav (The Jack the Ripper of India)
Profile Summary
Full Name: Raghava (aka Raman Raghav)
Born: 1929 – Tinnevelly, Madras Presidency (now Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu)
Died: April 7, 1994 – Sassoon Hospital, Pune
Victims: Claimed 41; officially at least 29 (1965–1968)
Active Years: 1965–1966 & 1968
Method: Blunt-force trauma with iron rods/crowbars
Sentence: Death commuted to life imprisonment in 1987 due to mental illness
Background and Early Life Born into poverty, Raman Raghav moved to Mumbai and took on labor jobs. He had minimal education and a background in petty theft. He exhibited paranoia and misogyny early in life.
Modus Operandi
Targeted homeless slum dwellers (men, women, children)
Attacked while they slept, using heavy iron objects
Stole small items from victims
Claimed he acted on divine voices directing him to kill
Psychological Profile and Trial Diagnosed with chronic paranoid schizophrenia, he heard command hallucinations. His case highlighted the challenges of diagnosing and sentencing mentally ill criminals. He died in prison in 1994.
Amir Qayyum: The Brick Killer
Profile Summary
Full Name: Amir Qayyum
Born: 1981, Pakistan
Active: June–July 2005, Lahore
Victims: 14 homeless men
Method: Bludgeoning with heavy bricks/stones
Apprehended: July 18, 2005
Sentence: Death (May 2006)
Background & Motive Orphaned and raised by his uncle, Amir Qayyum experienced familial abuse and social rejection. He later claimed his murders were in revenge for his uncle's death.
Method of Killing He sought out homeless individuals sleeping in public spaces and bludgeoned them to death using roadside bricks. Victims were chosen randomly, and killings occurred almost nightly.
Psychological Profile He was described as psychopathic and emotionless. His case exposed serious gaps in mental health evaluation and protection for vulnerable populations in Pakistan. Qayyum remains one of the most brutal and chilling figures in Pakistani criminal history.
These South Asian cases reveal that serial killing is not confined by geography or culture. Each story is a tragic portrait of failed systems, psychological torment, and the horrifying capability for cruelty hidden within everyday surroundings.