KD Kempamma | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1970 (age 53–54) |
| Other names | Cyanide Mallika |
| Years active | 1999 - 2007 |
| Known for | Murder of female temple devotees via cyanide poisoning |
| Motive | Theft |
| Criminal penalty | Death penalty (commuted to life imprisonment) |
| Details | |
| Victims | 6 |
| Country | India |
| State(s) | Karnataka |
| Location(s) | Bangalore |
Date apprehended | 31 December 2007 |
KD Kempamma, infamously known as Cyanide Mallika, is India's first convicted female serial killer.[1][2] Commencing with her first murder in 1999 Kempamma killed 6 women over the next 8 years, 5 between October and December in 2007. She befriended victims from female temple devotees and portrayed herself as a deeply pious woman. After gaining their confidence she would call them to another temple, ask them to dress in their best clothing and jewellery and give them 'holy water' with cyanide to drink. She was caught by police trying to dispose of the jewellery and confessed under interrogation. She was the first woman to be sentenced to death in Karnataka.[3]