MUMBAI: Goa in India and Pattaya in Thailand may be tourist hotspots! However if visitors do not keep their antenna up then they could fall prey to ruthless killers and robbers cruising the area.

After all this is the last place where one would think of crimes being committed. This disturbing fact is brought to light in the first episode of National Geographic Channel's (NGC) new series Nat Geo Investigates. The show airs weekdays in March at 10 pm from 14 March.

The Serpent airs on 14 March at 10 pm. The story deals with ruthless sociopath Charles Sobhraj who, from 1978, spent years killing young tourists in Thailand, India and Kathmandu. National Geographic had a press launch at the O’ Coquiero restaurant cum bar in Goa this Sunday.

That was the place where 19 years ago Sobhraj was apprehended by the police. Adding to atmosphere was a reenactment done of Sobhraj’s arrest. What is good about the show is that through crisp cinematography and music it succeeds in building up an eerie atmosphere. The viewer can feel that the sense of desperation among the police as they are unable to figure out the killings. It also takes a while for police from different cities to realise that they are dealing with a serial killer.

The show also shows us the workings of the Interpol. On the flip side because there is no direct access to Sobhraj the viewer does not get an understanding into the killers' mindset. Questions like why did this guy kill so many people in such a carefree manner? What was his background? Did his parents and family play a large influence on his behaviour as was the case with the likes of Ted Bundy and John Gacy? remain unanswered.

Speaking on the initiative NGC VP marketing Charath Narismhan said, “This is an attempt on our part to bring shows that are unique and engaging. The show aims at giving viewers an insight into crimes and disasters. The aim is to give the viewer the chance to understand how something is happening.

"Investigative shows especially those that relate to crime are growing in popularity. The docudrama approach of the show works well as it helps in presenting an unbiased picture. That is a major priority for us. We will be doing marketing in the form of on-air promos, print advertisement, radio spots and hoardings to create awareness about this initiative.”

Another episode in the show on 15 March at 10 pm will deal with the events of 9/11. The story deals with an American Airlines flight being hijacked.