“Auto” Shankar

Gowri Shankar, known as “Auto” Shankar, was convicted of six murders linked to his criminal network in Chennai and was executed in 1995.

A criminal network in Madras

Gowri Shankar, known as “Auto” Shankar, operated in and around Madras, now Chennai, during the 1980s. He became involved in organized criminal activity and built a network that investigators later connected to disappearances and murders.

Missing men and a wider inquiry

A complaint concerning missing men helped push authorities toward a deeper investigation. Police eventually uncovered evidence connecting Shankar and associates to multiple killings, including people regarded as rivals or threats to the group.

Escape and capture

After his arrest, Shankar escaped from custody in 1990 with assistance from others but was later recaptured. The escape intensified attention on the case and raised questions about corruption and protection surrounding his criminal operations.

Execution and legal legacy

Shankar was convicted of six murders and sentenced to death. He was executed in 1995. Litigation connected to publication of his alleged autobiography also became significant in Indian media-law debates about privacy, the press and reporting on prisoners.