The Cryptic Curry | Podcast on RSS.com

The Cryptic Curry

The Cryptic Curry

by Mal & Raj

Season 1

The Bathroom at the End of the Corridor

What happened in 8 minutes at a school so prestigious that everything changed for parents in India? Come and find out. Sources: Central Bureau of Investigation. (2017, September 22). Case No. RC 8(S)/2017/SC-III/New Delhi: Re-registration of FIR No. 250/2017 (Sections 302/34 IPC, Section 25 Arms Act, Section 75 JJ Act, Section 12 POCSO Act). CBI Special Crime Branch III. Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), New Delhi. (2017). Forensic Examination and Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Report on Crime Scene Exhibits and Recovered Kitchen Knife (RC 8(S)/2017/SC-III). Central Forensic Science Laboratory. Gurgaon Police Department. (2017, September 8). First Information Report (FIR) No. 250/2017: Police Station Bhondsi, Gurugram (Under Section 302 IPC, Section 25 Arms Act). Haryana Police. High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh. (2017, November 21). Ryan Augustine Pinto vs. State of Haryana and Anr. (CRM-M No. 35002 of 2017). Indian Kanoon. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/29171823/ High Court of Punjab and Haryana at Chandigarh. (2018, October 11). Bholu (Minor) v. Central Bureau of Investigation (Criminal Revision No. 2366 of 2018). High Court of Punjab and Haryana. Juvenile Justice Board, Gurugram. (2017, December 20). Preliminary Assessment under Section 15 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 in relation to Child in Conflict with Law (Bholu). Juvenile Justice Board. Press Trust of India. (2017, November 8). Ryan school murder case: Class 11 student confessed he killed Pradyuman Thakur, says CBI. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/india/ryan-international-school-murder-case-cbi-detains-class-xi-student-pradyuman-thakur-4927509/ Supreme Court of India. (2018, November 19). Barun Chandra Thakur vs. Master Bholu & Anr. (Special Leave Petition (Criminal) Diary No. 41570/2018). Indian Kanoon. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/142790231/ Supreme Court of India. (2022, July 13). Barun Chandra Thakur v. Master Bholu & Anr. (Criminal Appeal Nos. 950–951 of 2022; 2022 SCC OnLine SC 870 / 2022 Supreme(SC) 568). Supreme Court of India. https://supremetoday.ai/doc/judgement/00100075821 Supreme Court of India. (2022, July 13). Barun Chandra Thakur vs Master Bholu (Crl. A. No. 000950/2022 Summary). VakilAI Judgments. https://www.vakilai.in/SC_Judgments/barun-chandra-thakur-vs-master-bholu-crl-a-no-000950-000950-2022.html The Times of India. (2017, November 9). Ryan school murder: How CBI tracked down the Class 11 student. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/ryan-school-murder-how-cbi-tracked-down-the-class-11-student/articleshow/61571434.cms

The Invisible Guest

Mysterious deaths--was it something in the food? We will never know. All the sources could not be included. Sources: Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE–DRDO), Gwalior. (2025). Biological & Foodstuff Toxicity Profiling Report: Analysis of Sattu and Maize Samples from Badhal Household Clusters. Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Down To Earth. (2025, January 24). Mysterious pestilence in Rajouri village claims 17 lives, experts baffled. Down To Earth. https://www.downtoearth.org.in/health/dte-ground-report-there-is-a-sense-of-befuddlement-in-badhal-the-rajouri-village-grappling-with-a-deadly-mysterious-pestilence ETV Bharat. (2026, March 28). 'Neurotoxic exposure' behind 17 mysterious deaths in Jammu Kashmir's Rajouri: Health Minister in Assembly. ETV Bharat. https://www.etvbharat.com/en/bharat/neurotoxic-exposure-behind-17-mysterious-deaths-in-jammu-kashmirs-rajouri-health-minister-in-assembly-enn26032804854 Greater Kashmir. (2025, January 15). Mysterious deaths in Badhaal Rajouri: Certain neurotoxins found in samples of dead persons. Greater Kashmir. https://www.greaterkashmir.com/jammu/mysterious-deaths-in-badhaal-rajouri-certain-neurotoxins-found-in-samples-of-dead-persons/ Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly. (2026, March 28). Starred Question & Written Reply by Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on the Findings of 17 Deaths in Badhal Village, Budhal Constituency. Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir Police, District Rajouri. (2025, January 15). Constitution of 11-Member Special Investigation Team (SIT) for Inquest/Homicide Probe into Badhal Cluster Fatalities. District Police Headquarters, Rajouri. Kashmir Times. (2025, March 8). Rajouri deaths: Specific neurotoxin source still an unresolved puzzle. Kashmir Times. https://kashmirtimes.com/in-focus/specific-neurotoxin-source-still-an-unresolved-puzzle Rediff News / Press Trust of India. (2026, March 29). 'No virus': Toxic pesticides, cadmium suspected in Rajouri mystery deaths. Rediff.com. https://m.rediff.com/news/report/no-virus-toxic-pesticides-cadmium-suspected-in-rajouri-mystery-deaths/20260329.htm The Hindu. (2025, January 25). Rajouri deaths: Leaves of doctors, paramedics cancelled to deal with mysterious deaths in J&K. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jammu-and-kashmir/leaves-of-doctors-paramedics-cancelled-to-deal-with-mysterious-deaths-in-rajouri/article69138861.ece

The Beautician's Trap

Can you trust everyone you meet? Can you trust the very kind face, only to realize you can never do it? Come and find out what happens when a beautician's ambition destroys a family. Sources: First Additional Sessions Judge, Indore. (2013, December 13). State of Madhya Pradesh v. Manoj, Rahul @ Govind & Neha Verma (Sessions Trial No. 536/2011, Presided by D. N. Mishra). Indore District & Sessions Court. High Court of Madhya Pradesh (Indore Bench). (2014, September 29). State of Madhya Pradesh v. Manoj & Ors. (Criminal Reference No. 04/2013 & Criminal Appeal No. 03/2014). High Court of Madhya Pradesh. Indore Police Department. (2011, June 19). First Information Report (FIR) No. 401/2011: P.S. MIG Colony, Indore (Sections 302, 397, 449 IPC; Sections 25/27 Arms Act). Madhya Pradesh Police. Indore Police Crime Branch. (2011). Charge sheet & Case Diary: Crime No. 401/2011 (Call Detail Records, Recovery Memos & Spot Panchnama for House No. 24, Srinagar Main). Investigating Officer Mohan Singh Yadav & SI Deepika Shinde. Madhya Pradesh State Forensic Science Laboratory. (2011). Ballistics and Serological Examination Report (Examination of .315 country-made firearms, fired cartridges, and biological stains). FSL Sagar/Indore. Press Trust of India. (2013, December 13). Indore: Death sentence for three in triple murder case. Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/indore-death-sentence-for-three-in-triple-murder-case-113121301013_1.html Press Trust of India. (2014, September 29). HC confirms death sentence given to 25-yr-old girl, two others. Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/hc-confirms-death-sentence-given-to-25-yr-old-girl-two-others-114092901231_1.html Supreme Court of India. (2022, May 20). Manoj & Ors. v. State of Madhya Pradesh (Criminal Appeal Nos. 248–250 of 2015; 2022 INSC 606 / 2022 Supreme(SC) 500). Supreme Court of India. https://supremetoday.ai/doc/judgement/00100075715 Supreme Court of India. (2022, May 20). Manoj and Others versus State of Madhya Pradesh (MANU/SC/0711/2022). Manupatra Roundup. http://roundup.manupatra.in/checkdoc.aspx?sid=42621&i=1&id=MANU/SC/0711/2022 The Free Press Journal. (2013, December 14). Srinagar Main triple murder: Court awards death sentence to Neha Verma, two accomplices. The Free Press Journal. The Times of India. (2013, December 14). Woman, two others get death for triple murder in Indore. The Times of India.

The Lake of the Dead

How did the dead get to the lake? What killed them and left them there for years? This is the story of the Lake of the Dead: The Roopkund. Sources: Nature Communications (August 20, 2019). Ancient DNA from the skeletons of Roopkund Lake reveals Mediterranean migrants in India. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-019-11357-9 National Geographic (August 20, 2019). DNA study deepens mystery of lake full of skeletons. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/premium/article/dna-study-deepens-mystery-lake-skeletons-roopkund The Times of India (October 14, 2024). The mystery of 'Lake of Skeletons' situated in the Himalayas. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/the-mystery-of-lake-of-skeletons-situated-in-the-himalayas/articleshow/114292994.cms Outside Online (August 20, 2019). Hundreds Died at This Remote Himalayan Lake. It Gets Weirder. https://www.outsideonline.com/outdoor-adventure/environment/skeleton-lake-roopkund-himalayas-research/ Atlas Obscura. Skeletons of Roopkund Lake in Chamoli. https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/skeleton-lake-of-roopkund-india Greek Reporter (February 7, 2026). The Mystery of the Greek Skeletons Found in a Himalayan Lake. https://greekreporter.com/2026/02/07/greek-skeletons-india-himalaya-lake/ Archaeology Wiki. Mystery Solved: The Skeleton Lake of India. https://www.archaeology.wiki/blog/2013/10/08/mystery-solved-the-skeleton-lake-of-india/ BBC News (Archive). The Riddle of the Skeleton Lake. The New York Times (August 20, 2019). The Mystery of the Himalayas' Skeleton Lake Just Got Weirder. Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB). Genomic studies on the Roopkund Skeletons. Roopkund's "Lake of Skeletons" Mystery

The Mystery of L-32

One of the most cryptic and disturbing cases of India, come and find out the details of the case of Arushi Talwar. Sources: CBI Closure Report (2010). Case No. RC-S1/2008-SCR-III. https://www.cbi.gov.in/ Allahabad High Court Judgment (October 12, 2017). Rajesh Talwar and Anr. vs State of U.P. https://indiankanoon.org/doc/135064436/ The Times of India (October 13, 2017). Aarushi-Hemraj murder: Why Talwars were acquitted. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/aarushi-hemraj-murder-why-talwars-were-acquitted/articleshow/61053073.cms NDTV News (May 2008 - 2017 Archives). The Noida Double Murder: A Timeline. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-a-timeline-of-events-1761922 Avirook Sen (2015). Aarushi: A book-length investigative report. Hindustan Times (October 16, 2017). The 26 glaring mistakes made by Noida Police and CBI. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-26-mistakes-that-botched-up-the-investigation/story-2fX5H8Q2yI5rXf6Z.html The Indian Express. The Science of Silence: Narco tests in the Talwar case. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/aarushi-talwar-murder-case-narco-analysis-test-4887372/ The Hindu. Aarushi Talwar case: The verdict and its aftermath. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/aarushi-talwar-case-verdict/article19846356.ece Firstpost. L-32 Noida: The House of Secrets. Supreme Court of India. Observation on the use of Narco-analysis as evidence (Selvi v. State of Karnataka). https://main.sci.gov.in/

The Eleven Souls

A case that defies logic and forensics: the Burari deaths. Sources: The Delhi Police Final Report (2018/2019). The Burari Deaths Case File. The Times of India (July 3, 2018). Burari deaths: 11 diaries, 11 years, 11 souls. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/burari-deaths-11-diaries-11-years-11-souls/articleshow/64835634.cms NDTV News (July 11, 2018). CCTV Footage reveals family's last moments in Burari. https://www.ndtv.com/delhi-news/burari-deaths-cctv-footage-shows-family-brought-stools-wires-before-ritual-1877685 Hindustan Times (July 10, 2018). The psychological profile of Lalit Chundawat. https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi-news/burari-deaths-lalit-the-man-who-allegedly-led-his-family-to-the-gallows/story-G8H9X2K3L4M5N6.html The Indian Express. The Banyan Tree Ritual: Deciphering the Burari Diaries. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/burari-deaths-diaries-banyan-tree-ritual-5243851/ The Guardian (July 15, 2018). The mystery of the Burari deaths: A family's secret life. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/15/the-mystery-of-the-burari-deaths-a-familys-secret-life BBC News (July 2, 2018). India Burari deaths: What we know about the 11 people found dead. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-44677700 Psychology Today India. Folie à plusieurs: Understanding the Burari Tragedy. Le Monde (Archive 2018). The Burari House: An Indian Tragedy. India Today.Burari Death Case: The Final Forensics.https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/burari-death-case-final-autopsy-report-confirms-suicide-1282635-2018-07-11

The Stoneman

Imagine living in the shadows of the street lights, thinking you are safe until... you are not. This is the case of the Stoneman. Sources: The Times of India (Archive). The Stoneman: A look back at the serial killings that paralyzed Kolkata. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/the-stoneman-killings-30-years-on/articleshow/69645210.cms The Indian Express. Mumbai's own Stoneman: The 1985 trail. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/mumbai-serial-killer-stoneman-killings-pavement-dwellers-5192231/ The Statesman. Calcutta in the summer of 1989: The Stoneman files. https://www.thestatesman.com/features/the-stoneman-mystery-1502763214.html NDTV News. Serial Killers of India: The mystery of the Stoneman. https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/serial-killers-who-terrorised-india-the-stoneman-to-cyanide-mohan-2070114 Criminology Journal of India (Research Paper excerpt). Psychological Profiling of Urban Serial Killers: The Case of the Stoneman.

The Murder in the Box Bed

An investigation with two contradictory theories, will the murder ever be solved? If you have any information about the case, please reach out to the Ramnagar Police Station +91 251-2860100 or call 100 for urgent emergencies. Sources: ThePrint (December 27, 2022). Murdered & stuffed into box bed at own home — Snehal Gavare case still unsolved 15 yrs on.34 https://theprint.in/judiciary/murdered-stuffed-into-box-bed-at-own-home-snehal-gavare-case-still-unsolved-15-yrs-on/1282432/ Mumbai Mirror (July 21, 2007). Horrified parents find dead daughter under their bed.35 https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/cover-story/horrified-parents-find-dead-daughter-under-their-bed/articleshow/15725534.html Mumbai Mirror (July 22, 2007). Police find dead girl's cell phone.36 https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/police-find-dead-girls-cell-phone/articleshow/15725803.html Mumbai Mirror (April 27, 2010). Boyfriend arrested for murdering 21-yr-old and stuffing the body in her bed's cavity.37 https://mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/boyfriend-arrested-for-murdering-21-yr-old-and-stuffing-the-body-in-her-beds-cavity/articleshow/16011987.html The Times of India (January 25, 2011). Cops do a U-turn in student murder case, say no proof against murder accused. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/cops-do-a-u-turn-in-student-murder-case-say-no-proof-against-murder-accused/articleshow/7356643.cms The New Indian Express (December 8, 2013). Who Killed Them? https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2013/Dec/08/who-killed-them-547412.html

Be Loved or Be Killed

A secret love against all odds... but for how long? Sources: CBI phone number to give relevant details: +91 9650394847 The Juggernaut (May 21, 2024). Why Rizwanur Rahman's Death Still Haunts Us. https://www.thejuggernaut.com/rizwanur-rahman-death-priyanka-todi-ashok-todi-lux The Times of India (November 5, 2007). 'Father cut me off from Rizwan'. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/father-cut-me-off-from-rizwan/articleshow/2517700.cms The Times of India (November 3, 2007). Rizwanur's last call was 4 minutes before death.57 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/rizwanurs-last-call-was-4-minutes-before-death/articleshow/2513706.cms The Times of India (November 13, 2008). 'Criminal conspiracy drove Rizwanur Rehman to suicide'.58 https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/criminal-conspiracy-drove-rizwanur-rehman-to-suicide/articleshow/3706448.cms The Times of India (October 30, 2007). Was Rizwanur run over while being chased? https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/was-rizwanur-run-over-while-being-chased/articleshow/2500957.cms The Times of India (February 13, 2009). Cop death mystery gets murkier. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/cop-death-mystery-gets-murkier/articleshow/4120965.cms NDTV (March 1, 2011). Rizwanur Rehman case: No murder probe against Todi.59 https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/rizwanur-rehman-case-no-murder-probe-against-todi-448750 The Hindu (March 1, 2011). Proceed with Rizwanur case as suicide, not as murder, Supreme Court tells CBI.60 https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Proceed-with-Rizwanur-case-as-suicide-not-as-murder-Supreme-Court-tells-CBI/article14930350.ece The New Indian Express (February 11, 2009). Cop probing Rizwanur death found dead. https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2009/Feb/11/cop-probing-rizwanur-death-found-dead-25078.html Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (November 11, 2007). The Obnoxious Nexus that Killed Rizwanur in 'Secular and Progressive' Bengal.61 https://cpiml.net/liberation/2007/11/obnoxious-nexus-killed-rizwanur-secular-and-progressive-bengal

The Good Daughter-in-law

The facade of a good daughter-in-law, how long does it last? Sources: Netflix show https://www.netflix.com/title/81564452 The Indian Express (Oct 16, 2019). Koodathayi deaths: How a 17-year-long charade of a loving wife, mother, and 'pious' woman ended. https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/jolly-joseph-koodathayi-deaths-kerala-serial-killer-6070753/ The News Minute (Oct 14, 2019). Deconstructing Jolly: How the Koodathayi woman meticulously built her web of lies. https://www.thenewsminute.com/kerala/deconstructing-jolly-how-koodathayi-woman-meticulously-built-her-web-lies-109981 The Hindu (Oct 7, 2019). Koodathayi serial killings: A timeline of events. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/koodathayi-serial-killings-a-timeline-of-events/article29612028.ece India Today (Oct 12, 2019). Kerala serial killer Jolly Joseph: A story of sex, lies and cyanide. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/20191021-kerala-serial-killer-jolly-joseph-a-story-of-sex-lies-and-cyanide-1608249-2019-10-12 NDTV (Oct 8, 2019). How Kerala Woman's Brother-In-Law In US Cracked Serial Killings Case. https://www.ndtv.com/kerala-news/jolly-joseph-kerala-murders-how-kerala-woman-jolly-josephs-brother-in-law-rojo-thomas-in-us-cracked-serial-killings-case-2113336 Firstpost (Oct 11, 2019). Kerala's Koodathayi serial killings: How SP KG Simon's logical deduction, scientific probe led to Jolly Joseph's arrest. https://www.firstpost.com/india/keralas-koodathayi-serial-killings-how-sp-kg-simons-logical-deduction-scientific-probe-led-to-jolly-josephs-arrest-7476831.html Onmanorama (Oct 11, 2019). Koodathayi killings: Jolly's NIT 'job' was the first big lie that started it all. https://www.onmanorama.com/news/kerala/2019/10/11/koodathayi-serial-killing-jolly-nit-professor-lie.html Hindustan Times (Oct 21, 2019). Kerala serial killings: How Jolly Joseph’s 14-year-long lies led to 6 deaths. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/kerala-serial-killings-how-jolly-joseph-s-14-year-long-lies-led-to-6-deaths/story-U7s1kE1D1hZ9X6P43LSS9N.html

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