The Inspector Who Brought Down the 'Bikini Killer': A Tale of Resilience and Redemption

Sat Oct 11 2025 08:35:10 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The captivating story of an Indian police officer who captured the notorious serial killer Charles Sobhraj—twice—is brought to life in the new Netflix film 'Inspector Zende,' showcasing the dramatic cat-and-mouse chase set in the 1980s.

Inspector Madhukar Zende, portrayed by Manoj Bajpayee in Netflix's new film 'Inspector Zende', is the celebrated Indian police officer who famously apprehended the infamous serial killer Charles Sobhraj twice in the 1980s. The film recounts Zende's gripping pursuit of Sobhraj after the latter escapes from Tihar jail in 1986. With a backdrop of thrilling escapades, the narrative captures Zende's unwavering determination as he navigates through Mumbai's darker underbelly. The real-life Zende, now 88 and retired, reflects on his tumultuous past and the impact of his work, proving that even decades later, the hunt for justice remains ever relevant.

The story of French serial killer Charles Sobhraj, portrayed in the BBC-Netflix drama The Serpent, is well-known.

Now, a new Netflix film tells the lesser-known story of an Indian police officer who captured the notorious killer - not once, but twice.

Inspector Zende stars Bollywood actor Manoj Bajpayee in the titular role of the policeman while actor Jim Sarbh plays Sobhraj - reimagined as Carl Bhojraj.

The film unfolds over three weeks in 1986 as the policeman and the criminal play a cat-and-mouse game.

Warning: Spoilers below for the Netflix film

It starts on 16 March that year with Sobhraj escaping from Delhi's high-security Tihar jail, where he had been serving a 12-year prison term since 1976 for murdering a French tourist.

Falsely claiming it was his birthday, he feeds drug-laced sweets to the staff and nearly all the prisoners and flees.

A few days later, when he turns up in Mumbai, Inspector Madhukar Zende is called in since he had already arrested him in 1971.

The film's release has brought Mr Zende back into the headlines in India, decades after he made the arrests.

The retired 88-year-old officer, known as a 'supercop', reflects on his storied career.

Born to an Indian father and a Vietnamese mother in Saigon, Sobhraj grew up in France.

He was little-known when he first hit the headlines in India in 1970 for an audacious heist at a jewellery store in Ashok, a five-star hotel in Delhi.

Over the next five years, Sobhraj came to be known as a notorious serial killer, linked to more than 20 murders across India, Nepal and Thailand.

For his deceptive disguises and escape tactics, he was dubbed The Serpent. Interpol issued a Red Corner notice against him.

Yet, Zende's determination culminated in the sensational arrest of Sobhraj in a Goa restaurant, turning him into a celebrated figure overnight. His story and the Netflix portrayal bring forth the enduring tales of resilience and justice against formidable odds.