Killer Minds: Inside the Minds of Serial Killers & Murderers
Episode: Murderous Minds: The College Crush Murder Pt. 1
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Vanessa Richardson & Dr. Tristan Ingalls
Production: Crime House Studios

Overview

In the gripping first part of the two-part series on Proshenjeet Potter, hosts Vanessa Richardson and Dr. Tristan Ingalls delve into the intricate psychological landscape that led an academically promising individual to commit a heinous crime driven by obsessive love. This episode meticulously traces Potter's journey from his humble beginnings in India to his unraveling in the competitive environment of UC Berkeley, ultimately exploring how deep-seated vulnerabilities and cultural dislocation can foster dangerous obsessions.

Early Life and Cultural Background

[04:35 – 07:21]

Proshenjeet Potter's story begins in 1945 in Beiler Got, India, where he was born into the Potter family, members of the lowest caste known as the Untouchables. The oppressive caste system barred him and his family from access to education and better employment opportunities. Despite these challenges, a progressive teacher allowed Proshenjit to attend lessons, becoming one of the first Untouchables in his district to learn to read. This small victory led his father, Pulinchandra, to secure a job assisting a local judge, providing the Potter family a semblance of upward mobility.

In 1950, as discrimination against Untouchables was officially outlawed, Proshenjit seized the opportunity to excel academically. By 1957, at the age of 16, he was the only student from his class accepted into the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, where he nurtured a passion for science and mathematics. His academic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley, a remarkable feat for someone of his background, and in 1967, 22-year-old Proshenjit embarked on a journey to America, hoping to build a better life.

Notable Quote:
"Growing up in a system like this means you're growing up with constant daily reminders that you are less than in the eyes of your entire society."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [05:20]

Cultural Dislocation and Emotional Struggles

[07:21 – 10:15]

Upon arriving at Berkeley, Proshenjit faced severe cultural dislocation. The liberal, countercultural atmosphere of the late 1960s clashed starkly with his conservative upbringing. Simple everyday practices, such as using a knife and fork, were foreign to him, and his social interactions were limited due to his upbringing in all-male educational institutions. While his friend Farooq Mistry provided some support, Proshenjit struggled to adapt, leading to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Notable Quote:
"This kind of extreme shift can lead to isolation and loneliness, anxiety and certainly confusion, an identity strain and dependence on his one familiar relationship."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [10:15]

Meeting Tanya Tarasov: The Beginning of Obsession

[10:15 – 21:20]

In the fall of 1968, Proshenjit met Tanya Tarasov at an International House dance. Tanya, a shy and insecure young woman from a Russian immigrant family, found solace in attending secret folk dances and teaching Portuguese classes despite her overprotective father, Vitaly. For both Proshenjit and Tanya, who felt like outsiders, this encounter provided a much-needed emotional connection.

Proshenjit’s infatuation with Tanya quickly turned into an obsession. He misinterpreted her kindness and occasional interactions as signs of reciprocated romantic interest. Despite multiple attempts to court her, including a movie date and a heartfelt apology with a traditional Indian sari, Tanya maintained clear boundaries, continuing to see Proshenjit only as a friend.

Notable Quotes:
"He worked up the courage to join them. By random chance, he ended up next to a pretty young woman, palm sweating."
— Vanessa Richardson [17:06]

"Prushenjit couldn't grasp the concept of casual flirting. His friend Farouk tried to explain the situation to him, but PR wouldn't listen."
— Vanessa Richardson [20:14]

Escalation of Obsessive Behavior

[21:20 – 28:34]

Despite clear signs that Tanya was not interested, Proshenjit’s fixation intensified. His inability to cope with rejection led him to withdraw from social activities and neglect his academic and professional responsibilities. Dr. Tristan Ingalls explains that Proshenjit exhibited signs of erotomania, a psychological condition where an individual falsely believes that another person is in love with them.

Proshenjit began recording conversations with Tanya, hoping to decode his perceived shortcomings and find ways to win her affection. This behavior signaled a dangerous detachment from reality, as he became entrenched in his fantasy of a reciprocated relationship.

Notable Quote:
"Once again, he stopped leaving his room. He didn't go to work. He didn't go to class. He barely even ate. At some point in March, Farouk started to get worried about his friend and went to Prashenjit's room to check on him."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [28:34]

Intervention and Continued Obsession

[28:34 – 36:27]

Farooq Mistry's concern for Proshenjit led him to intervene, urging him to seek professional help. Proshenjit finally agreed to see Dr. Stuart Gold, a psychiatrist who diagnosed him with paranoid schizophrenia and recommended outpatient treatment. Despite beginning therapy and taking antipsychotic medication, Proshenjit’s obsession with Tanya persisted. He redirected his fixation towards Tanya’s brother, Alex Tarasov, seeking a surrogate bond to maintain his connection to Tanya.

Notable Quote:
"What we're seeing here is a significant escalation in PR's obsessive and seemingly delusional thinking, as well as a clear decompensation and functioning, which is quite alarming."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [28:34]

Psychological Analysis and Warning Signs

[36:27 – 45:50]

Dr. Ingalls provides a deep psychological analysis of Proshenjit’s behavior, highlighting the transition from intense infatuation to dangerous obsession. He underscores the critical difference between healthy attraction and erotomania, emphasizing how Proshenjit’s inability to tolerate rejection and regulate his emotions escalated his fixation into planning violent actions.

Proshenjit’s belief in a fabricated rescue scenario demonstrates magical thinking and emotional desperation, further increasing the risk of violent outcomes. His plan to use a gun to create a life-threatening situation, aiming to force Tanya into reciprocating his feelings, marked a perilous escalation from obsession to potential violence.

Notable Quotes:
"Infatuation, even intense infatuation, is fairly common... With obsession, you start fixating on every interaction, trying to find hidden meaning."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [29:59]

"Prasenji isn't just fantasizing anymore. He's starting to actively script a scenario that would force his fantasy into reality."
— Dr. Tristan Ingalls [44:28]

Conclusion

As the episode concludes, Proshenjit’s plan to manipulate Tanya’s emotions through a staged crisis sets the stage for a tragic escalation. Despite initial willingness to seek help, his deep-seated obsession and psychological vulnerabilities push him towards a path of potential violence. Vanessa Richardson teases the continuation of Proshenjit’s story in the next episode, promising further exploration of the factors leading to his ultimate actions.

Notable Quote:
"He was going to do whatever it took to make her realize it."
— Vanessa Richardson [47:11]

Key Takeaways

• Cultural Dislocation: Proshenjit’s difficulty adjusting to American culture significantly impacted his mental health and social interactions.

• Ernomania: His obsessive belief that Tanya reciprocated his feelings led to distorted perceptions and dangerous fantasies.

• Psychological Vulnerabilities: Early life oppression, rejection, and lack of emotional support contributed to his fragile mental state.

• Warning Signs: Withdrawal from social activities, neglecting responsibilities, and planning potential violent actions exemplify escalating warning signs in obsessive individuals.

This episode serves as a compelling examination of how cultural, psychological, and emotional factors intertwine to shape the minds of those who commit tragic acts driven by obsession and distorted reality.

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Stay tuned for the concluding part of Proshenjit Potter’s story in the next episode of Killer Minds. Follow "Killer Minds" on your preferred podcast platform and on social media @KillerMinds for updates and insights into the darkest corners of the human psyche.