CHENNAI — 1988 · Serial Murder
The "Auto" Shankar Killings
Gowri Shankar started out as an auto-rickshaw driver and in the 1970s and 1980s built an illicit liquor and prostitution network in Madras (today's Chennai). An investigation launched after several people went missing in 1988 revealed that his gang had killed rivals and others it saw as obstacles. The case caused a sensation amid allegations that the gang had enjoyed links with some police officers and politicians for years. On 31 May 1991 the Chengalpattu court sentenced Shankar and two associates to death. Shankar was hanged at Salem prison on 27 April 1995, recorded as the last person executed in Tamil Nadu.
- Date
- 1988
- Place
- Tamil Nadu, India, Chennai, IN
- Category
- Serial Murder
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 13.0827, 80.2707 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 1988Several disappearances in Madras triggered an investigation.
- 1988–1989The gang leader and his associates were arrested.
- 31 May 1991The Chengalpattu court handed down three death sentences.
- 27 April 1995Shankar was hanged at Salem prison.
Sources
- Wikipedia — Auto Shankar en.wikipedia.org ↗
- The News Minute — Auto Shankar's reign of terror thenewsminute.com ↗
- Wikipedia
- The News Minute
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.