In a first, Maharashtra approves scientific study on serial killers in State prisons

The model of the prison study is said to be based on the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit
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The Maharashtra government on Tuesday (May 13, 2025) approved the implementation of the Criminology Research Project “RUDRA” (Research Unit for Detection and Resolution of Anomalies in Criminals) in all the prisons of the State for 10 years. The project aims to be useful for rehabilitation efforts and criminal investigations of prisoners convicted of heinous crimes. 

In a first, Maharashtra is commissioning such research, making substantial progress in the field of psychology of serial killers and heinous criminals in India. The model of this study will be based on the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit.

The government resolution (GR) issued on Tuesday, mentioned of permitting access to a team of forensic medicine specialists to interview prisoners, who are incarcerated for serial killing and rape. The State government approved the study based on forensic medicine expert Atharva Pankaj Deshpande and his team’s findings inferred from interviews with prisoners (serial killers and arrested for rape charges) in the Central Jails of Amravati and Nagpur district. They presented their findings to the Chief Minister, which were based on their study of psychology and the interrogation techniques of victims of major crimes.

The agreement regarding the terms and conditions for implementing the said project in the prisons of the State was signed on May 7. The terms and conditions of the said agreement will be binding on the parties, as per the GR. 

The team also received acceptance for publication of their research paper in the Journal of Forensic Medicine Science and Law.

The State government has decided to issue identity cards to Mr. Deshpande and his team members to interview prisoners at all prisons in the State and has directed all prison officers and employees to cooperate in their research work.