"Amarjeet Sada" is the world's youngest serial killer

Inspector Shatrughan Kumar, Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Bhagalpur police station in Bihar, India, was stunned to see a young boy, barely seven years old, calmly sitting before him. This child had murdered three infants in cold blood and was now demanding biscuits from the police officer. Shatrughan's blood boiled with rage, but he controlled the urge to lash out. Amarjeet, as the child was called, had earned the dubious distinction of being the world's youngest serial killer.

Background

Amarjeet was born in 1998 to a poor Indian couple who worked as laborers in the town of Begusarai in Bihar, India. The family had a difficult life, with his parents barely earning enough to make ends meet. When he was seven years old, his mother gave birth to a baby girl, adding to their financial burden. Amarjeet was a reserved, quiet child who enjoyed playing with knick-knacks, climbing trees, and roaming about the village. He had no friends and was a loner who enjoyed being in his own company.

First Murder

When Amarjeet's aunt and his six-month-old cousin visited their home, Amarjeet's mother went to the local market to buy vegetables, leaving him in charge of the two babies. As the boy looked at his six-month-old cousin fast asleep in his bed, something sinister clicked inside him. Initially, he started pinching and slapping the infant, jumping with glee as the baby began to cry. Gradually, Amarjeet became bolder as he put his hands around the infant's throat to stop his breathing. The baby began to gasp for air and cry. Amarjeet laughed, enjoying the gruesome act. Finally, he killed the baby by strangulation. He then quietly went to the nearby forest, picked up a brick, and bashed the baby's head to a pulp. He callously buried the baby under the grass and returned home quietly.

Second Murder

Amarjeet was ready for his next victim, his eight-month-old sister. One winter afternoon, his parents were taking a nap. Amarjeet approached her, smiling as he gently lifted her from the cot and strangled her to death. Amarjeet's mother woke up hearing the faint wails of the baby. She went into the room to breastfeed her, but upon picking the infant up, she knew she was dead. Weeping, she turned to Amarjeet and asked, "Did you kill your sister too?" Smiling, he replied, "Yes."

Third Murder

While roaming around the local school one day in 2007, he saw an infant inside a baby stroller. Her mother, Chunchun Devi, had needed to take care of some urgent errands and left her six-month-old baby, Khushboo, sleeping under a tree. Amarjeet lifted the baby and took her into the mangrove forests adjacent to the school premises. There, he smashed her face with a rock, killing her instantly. He then buried her in the grass and walked away. As her mother returned and saw the empty pram, she raised the alarm. Everyone began searching for the baby, and finally, somebody remembered that they had seen Amarjeet carrying her.

Arrest and Trial

Amarjeet was caught and taken in for questioning, where he confessed his crime in vivid detail. He also admitted to his earlier crimes. The police had enough evidence with the confession to support a case against him. But according to Indian law, he could not be convicted for his crimes as he was too young and not yet an adult. He was put away.

Psychiatrists who examined Amarjeet Singh after his arrest concluded that he was a psychopath, devoid of remorse or empathy. Amarjeet's case was a rare and disturbing one that raised questions about the root causes of psychopathic behavior and the importance of early intervention in addressing such issues.

Amarjeet's story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of ignoring warning signs in children and the need to provide appropriate mental health support to children and families in distress. The tragedy of the victims and the horror of Amarjeet's actions are a stark reminder that we must prioritize the mental well-being of our society's most vulnerable members.

Below are some of the key takeaways from Amarjeet's story.

The Importance of Early Intervention

Amarjeet's case underscores the importance of early intervention in addressing behavioral and mental health issues in children. As a reserved and quiet child who was a loner, Amarjeet showed warning signs of potential mental health issues. Had these warning signs been identified and addressed early on, his horrific crimes might have been prevented.

The dangers of ignoring warning signs

Amarjeet's parents ignored the warning signs and failed to seek help for their son's mental health issues. They also shielded him from the consequences of his actions, which only emboldened him to continue his crimes. Their inaction and denial led to tragic consequences for their family and others.

The Importance of Mental Health Support

The case highlights the importance of providing appropriate mental health support to families and children in distress. Poverty, social isolation, and lack of access to mental health services were some of the factors that contributed to Amarjeet's actions. Providing support and resources to families in such situations can go a long way toward preventing such tragedies.

The Need for Tougher Laws

Amarjeet's case also highlights the need for tougher laws and policies to address psychopathic behavior in children. The fact that he could not be convicted for his crimes due to his age raises questions about the adequacy of existing legal frameworks and the need for reforms.

Conclusion

Amarjeet Singh's story is a grim reminder of the dangers of ignoring warning signs in children and the importance of early intervention in addressing mental health issues. The tragedy of the victims and the horror of Amarjeet's actions serve as a cautionary tale that highlights the need for greater awareness and support for mental health issues in our society.