Thug Behram: The Notorious Killer of the Thuggee Cult in 19th Century India

Thug Behram, also known as Buhram Jemedar or Buhram Choudhary, was a notorious Indian criminal who operated during the 19th century. He was the most infamous member of the Thuggee cult, a group of robbers and murderers who worshipped the Hindu goddess Kali and believed that killing travelers was their religious duty. Thug Behram was responsible for the deaths of an estimated 931 people and was eventually captured and hanged for his crimes.

Early Life and Background :-

There is not much information available about Thug Behram's early life, but it is believed that he was born in the early 1800s in the present-day state of Uttar Pradesh in India. He was likely born into a family of Thugs and grew up learning the art of strangulation and robbery.

The Thuggee cult was believed to have originated in the 14th century, and by the 19th century, it had spread throughout India. Thugs would often join the group as young boys and learn the skills of their trade from their elders. They would operate in groups of 10 to 50 people and would prey on travelers on the roads, especially those who were wealthy or traveling alone.

Modus Operandi :-

Thugs would often pose as travelers themselves and would gain the trust of their victims by offering them food, drink, or shelter. Once the victim was comfortable, the Thugs would strangle them with a piece of cloth, usually a scarf or a handkerchief, and rob them of their belongings. The Thugs believed that by killing their victims, they were fulfilling the will of the goddess Kali and that their actions were justified.

Thug Behram was said to be one of the most skilled Thugs of his time and was known for his ability to strangle a victim in a matter of seconds. He was said to have a charismatic personality and could easily gain the trust of his victims.

Capture and Execution :-

Thug Behram's reign of terror came to an end in 1840 when he was captured by the British authorities. The British had become increasingly concerned about the Thuggee cult and had launched a campaign to eradicate it. They had established a special unit called the Thuggee and Dacoity Department, which was tasked with capturing and prosecuting Thugs.

Thug Behram was eventually captured by a member of the department named William Sleeman. Sleeman had spent years studying the Thuggee cult and had even written a book about it called "Ramaseeana."

Thug Behram was brought to trial in 1840 and was found guilty of murder and robbery. He was sentenced to death by hanging, and his execution was carried out on February 7, 1840.

Legacy :-

Thug Behram's legacy is a dark one, and he is remembered as one of the most notorious criminals in Indian history. The Thuggee cult continued to operate in India for several decades after his death, but the British authorities were eventually able to eradicate it.

Thug Behram has been the subject of several books, movies, and television shows, and his story continues to fascinate people around the world. His name has become synonymous with violence and brutality, and his crimes serve as a reminder of the dark side of human nature.