Thugs

Thugs (from a Sanskrit root meaning "to conceal") the name of an Indian religious fraternity who lived on the wealth acquired through the murders they committed in the service of the goddess Kali, the wife of Siva. It was then custom to disguise themselves as merchants, and make use of any favourable opportunity to strangle or poison the travellers whom they met. The Thugs were exterminated by captain Sleeman, acting under Lord W. Bentinck, in 1828-35.