Criminal logo

Auto Shankar

Shankar, was a notorious criminal who operated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, during the 1980s

By BILL KISHOREPublished about a year ago 3 min read
Like

Auto Shankar, also known as Shankar alias Gowri Shankar, was a notorious criminal who operated in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, during the 1980s. He was infamous for running a prostitution racket and indulging in other illegal activities such as extortion, smuggling, and murder.

Born in a small village in Andhra Pradesh in 1954, Shankar moved to Chennai in search of work when he was still a teenager. He started his criminal career by stealing auto-rickshaws and eventually became a don in the city's underworld. He gained notoriety for his brutal tactics and his ability to evade the police.

Shankar's prostitution racket was his most profitable venture. He would abduct young girls from poor families and force them into prostitution. He would also kidnap wealthy businessmen and extort money from them. He had a vast network of informants, henchmen, and police officers on his payroll, which made it easy for him to evade the law.

Despite his notoriety, Shankar was a charismatic figure who had a large following among the poor and marginalized communities in Chennai. He was seen as a Robin Hood-like figure who stood up to the wealthy and powerful. He was known to distribute money to the poor and help them in times of need.

Shankar's downfall came in 1988 when one of his henchmen, who had fallen out of favor, turned against him and provided information to the police. Shankar was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder, kidnapping, extortion, and prostitution. He was sentenced to death in 1991, and his sentence was later upheld by the Supreme Court of India.

The story of Auto Shankar has been the subject of several books, movies, and TV shows. The most famous of these is the Tamil-language TV series, "Auto Shankar," which aired in 2019. The series, which was based on Shankar's life, was praised for its authentic portrayal of Chennai's underworld and for its nuanced portrayal of Shankar himself.

There are several reasons why the story of Auto Shankar continues to fascinate people. For one, Shankar was a larger-than-life figure who operated in a world that is largely hidden from public view. His story provides a glimpse into the seedy underbelly of Indian society and sheds light on the plight of the poor and marginalized.

Shankar's story also raises important questions about the role of the state in combating organized crime. Despite his notoriety, Shankar was able to operate with impunity for years, thanks to his vast network of informants and corrupt police officers. His story highlights the need for better law enforcement and for stronger measures to combat organized crime.

Finally, Shankar's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and corruption. Shankar started his criminal career as a small-time thief, but he was able to amass a vast empire by exploiting the vulnerabilities of others. His story serves as a reminder that the pursuit of power and wealth can lead to a dark and dangerous place.

In conclusion, Auto Shankar was a notorious criminal who operated in Chennai during the 1980s. His story provides a glimpse into the seedy underbelly of Indian society and raises important questions about the role of the state in combating organized crime. Despite his notoriety, Shankar was a charismatic figure who had a large following among the poor and marginalized. His story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and corruption, and it continues to fascinate people to this day.

After a lengthy trial, Shankar was found guilty and sentenced to death by the Madras High Court in 1991. However, his sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in 1999 by the Supreme Court of India. Shankar died in prison in 1995, before the Supreme Court's decision.

It's worth noting that the case of Auto Shankar is a complex and controversial one, with some people believing that he was wrongly accused and punished, while others consider him to be a dangerous criminal who deserved the punishment he received.

investigationmafiaguilty
Like

About the Creator

BILL KISHORE

Storyteller, dreamer, and adventurer.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.