The Indian Inspector Who Captured Charles Sobhraj Twice: A True Crime Story

The lesser-known story of an Indian police officer, Inspector Madhukar Zende, who captured notorious French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, is now being highlighted in a new Netflix film. Known as the ‘Bikini Killer’ for his brutal murders of Western tourists in Asia, Sobhraj was initially arrested by Zende in 1971 after committing a jewelry heist in Delhi. Though he escaped, Sobhraj’s crimes continued to escalate, leading to his notorious reputation. In 1986, after escaping from a high-security prison, Sobhraj went on the run once again. Zende, now tasked with finding him a second time, tracked him to Goa, where he finally captured him at a restaurant. Zende’s role in this high-profile case made him a national hero in India, earning him accolades and widespread recognition. The film also focuses on the thrilling chase between the inspector and the criminal, set against the backdrop of Sobhraj’s criminal career, his escapes, and eventual capture. The article also shares insights from Zende’s recent book and his reflections on the case. Today, at 88 years old, Zende looks back on his career, while Sobhraj, now 81, lives out his days after serving time for his crimes.