The crime thriller Manvat Murders on Sony Liv has quickly become a topic of discussion since its release, gripping viewers with its haunting storyline. This web series, featuring Ashutosh Gowarikar, is not just another fictional tale; it draws inspiration from real-life events that occurred in Manvat village, Maharashtra, during the 1970s. Based on the book Footprints on the Sands of Crime written by DSP Ramakant Kulkarni, the story delves deep into a terrifying series of murders that shook the entire village.
Real-Life Horror in Manvat Village: Women and Girls Vanish, Fear Takes Over
Back in the 1970s, Manvat, a quiet village in the Marathwada region of Maharashtra, was gripped by fear. It all started in 1972 when a 10-year-old girl disappeared mysteriously. Her lifeless body was later found in a field, leading to panic among the villagers. Within weeks, news of more missing girls and married women started spreading, and their bodies were discovered in wells, ponds, and fields in terrible conditions. The faces of the victims were disfigured to hide their identities, adding to the mystery and horror.
The series of deaths paralyzed the village, with women and girls too scared to step out of their homes. Even after six victims, there was no sign that a human was behind these brutal acts. But after the seventh murder, the horrifying truth that came to light left everyone shocked.
Uncovering the Truth: A Shocking Revelation After the Seventh Killing
With mounting pressure, police intensified their investigation, and what they discovered turned the case into Maharashtra’s first-known instance of serial killings. The mastermind behind the murders was revealed to be Rukmani, a 30-year-old tribal woman, and her married lover Uttam Rao Barhate. They sought the help of a Tantrik named Ganpat Salve, who practiced black magic. The motive behind these chilling murders was a twisted desire for a child and the lure of buried gold.
Rukmani, unable to conceive, was desperate to become a mother. Meanwhile, her lover Uttam Rao believed that gold was hidden under a sacred Peepal tree in the village. However, Uttam feared the “Munja,” a ghost that was believed to guard the treasure under the tree. The Tantrik convinced the couple that by sacrificing a young girl to Munja, they could acquire the hidden gold and Rukmani could conceive a child.
Ritualistic Sacrifice and the Start of a Bloodbath
The first victim was the 10-year-old girl who went missing. Her blood was collected and offered in a ritualistic ceremony to appease Munja. But when the desired results did not materialize, the Tantrik suggested more sacrifices, this time targeting menstruating women. Thus, the killing spree continued, and more innocent lives were brutally taken. It wasn’t until the seventh murder that authorities finally pieced together the clues.
Arrests and Trial: A Long Journey Through Courts
In 1973, Rukmani, her lover Uttam Rao, and their accomplices were arrested. The case drew national attention, as it was one of the first instances of serial killings driven by superstition and black magic in India. The District Sessions Court found them guilty, but the legal battle did not end there. In 1976, the Bombay High Court overturned the convictions of Rukmani, Uttam Rao, and Rukmani’s sister, citing insufficient evidence. The case was further challenged in the Supreme Court, but the charges of conspiracy could not be proved, leading to their acquittal. However, four other individuals directly involved in the murders were sentenced to death.
‘Manvat Murders’ Series Captures the Dark Reality of Human Desperation
Manvat Murders brings this tragic and terrifying story to the screen, blending elements of horror and mystery with the grim realities of human greed and superstition. Directed by Ashutosh Gowarikar, the series gives viewers a chance to explore a lesser-known chapter of India’s criminal history, where ancient beliefs and desperate desires led to a series of gruesome murders.
The show not only highlights the eerie atmosphere of the village but also portrays the psychological struggle of the characters caught between blind faith and brutal actions. Ashutosh Gowarikar’s portrayal of DSP Ramakant Kulkarni, the officer who cracked the case, adds depth to the narrative, showing the challenges faced by law enforcement in the 70s while tackling such a unique and disturbing case.
Why Manvat Murders Is Resonating with the Audience
The appeal of Manvat Murders lies in its ability to blend real-life horror with dramatic storytelling. The series taps into the fascination people have with true crime stories, especially those rooted in superstition and mysterious rituals. Its depiction of a remote village caught in a web of fear, coupled with the chilling performances of the cast, keeps viewers on edge throughout. The dark past of Manvat village serves as a reminder of how deeply superstition can influence actions, leading to tragic consequences.
For those interested in stories that mix historical events with crime and suspense, Manvat Murders offers an intense and gripping watch. It takes the audience back to a time when fear ruled, and the lines between myth and reality blurred, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who witnesses this tale of horror.
