KD Kempamma, a resident of Karnataka, India, earned the moniker “Cyanide Mallika” due to her modus operandi of using cyanide to poison her victims. Between 1999 and 2007, she targeted elderly men, gained their trust, and convinced them to consume cyanide-laced holy water or prasad (religious offering). Cyanide Mallika’s motive behind these murders was financial gain. After killing her victims, she would steal their valuables and cash. The exact number of victims attributed to her remains uncertain, as some estimates range from 6 to 20 victims. Her crimes came to light in 2007 when a suspicious death raised the authorities’ attention.
During the investigation, Cyanide Mallika was arrested, and she confessed to her involvement in the murders. The case garnered significant media attention due to its unique nature, with a female serial k!ller emerging in India. In 2009, Cyanide Mallika was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Her case highlighted the dark side of criminal activities and served as a reminder of the need for vigilant law enforcement and public awareness to prevent such heinous crimes.