Pancham Singh Chauhan, 92, who was once a feared dacoit of the notorious and dacoit-infested Chambal Valley in India with Rs 10 million bounty on his head, is in the country for a month long visit to attend various events and programmes where he is expected to share the story of his transformation from a dacoit to a peace activist and encourage the youths to walk in the path of peace instead of violence.

A self-proclaimed “peace crusader”, Pancham was just 34 years of age when he became Chambal’s main dacoit leader.

During an event organised by Brahmakumari Ishworiya University, Taulihawa on Tuesday, Chauhan shared the story of his transformation and stressed that a change

of attitude and positive deeds were necessary “for achieving mental peace and well-being”.

Stating that nothing good can come from hatred and discord, Chauhan said that a person should try to give his/her life a sense of purpose and work towards the good of mankind to be able to achieve peace and serenity.

Chauhan, who met with people from all walks of life in Taulihawa, including inmates at the District Prison and border security personnel of the Armed Police Forces, said that a person’s life would be complete and meaningful only if he is able to adopt Buddha’s teachings.

Born on April 14, 1924 in north-central India, Chauhan’s life took a turn for the worst when he was thrashed by a group of men during the 1958 elections in his village. And upon his return home following 20 days in the hospital, the same group mercilessly beat his father and other family members. Fearing for his life, he went to Man Singh, who was the dacoit leader of Chambal Valley at that time, seeking protection. Motivated by revenge, he soon earned notoriety as a stone-cold killer and rapidly moved up the ranks. Chauhan eventually became the leader of the band of dacoits when dacoit leaders Mohan and Madhav Singh died during a clash with the police.  

After ruling the Chambal Valley with iron fist for 15 bloody years, Chauhan along with his 550-member strong band of dacoits had surrendered to the Indian government in the year 1972 when the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi agreed to address his demands which included reprieve from death sentence as well as land and education for the children of the families of .

However, Chauhan’s true transformation began when he was moved by the teachings of Brahmakumari University while serving his prison sentence and decided to adopt the path of peace.

Awarded death penalty following his surrender, Chauhan said that the then Indian President later granted him a pardon, overturning the death sentence to life in prison. This became a turning point in his life as it made him realise that if one strived for good, he/she will be rewarded sooner or later.

“I made a bad decision in a fit of rage, but I am happy that I was offered a second chance,” Chauhan said.