Netflix’s new movie Inspector Zende has grabbed attention for its mix of comedy, thrill, and crime. But behind the film lies a real story that is even more fascinating. It is about Inspector Madhukar Zende, the Mumbai police officer who caught one of the world’s most dangerous criminals, Charles Sobhraj—not once, but twice.
Who Was Charles Sobhraj?
Charles Sobhraj was a criminal and serial killer, often called the “Bikini Killer” or the “Swimsuit Killer.” During the 1970s and 1980s, he killed and cheated foreign tourists across Asia, leaving a trail of fear behind him. Although he was suspected of more than 20 murders, only a few were proven in court.
Who Was Inspector Madhukar Zende?
Madhukar B. Zende was a brave Mumbai police officer known for his street-smart style. He became famous for being the man who not only tracked down Charles Sobhraj but also made sure he faced justice.
The First Arrest – 1971, Mumbai
Zende first caught Sobhraj in 1971 at the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai. The police had been watching suspicious activities linked to Sobhraj and found evidence that connected him to criminal acts.
Sobhraj was sent to Tihar Jail in Delhi, but he escaped later by tricking the system.
The Second Arrest – 1986, Goa
Years later, in 1986, Sobhraj appeared in Goa. Inspector Zende was again called in to catch him. With the help of local tips—like a spotted motorcycle and a telegraph office worker’s observations—Zende tracked Sobhraj to O’Coqueiro Restaurant.
Disguised as a tourist, Zende walked up to him and calmly said:
“Hello, Charles. How are you?”
And with that, the dangerous criminal was caught once again.
What Happened After
In 2003, Sobhraj was arrested again in Nepal.
In 2004, he was given a life sentence for murders in Kathmandu.
He stayed in jail until 2022, when he was released because of old age and health issues. He is now living in France.
Inspector Zende, on the other hand, went on to become a respected figure in Indian policing. Today, at nearly 90 years old, he is remembered as the man who outsmarted one of the world’s most notorious criminals.
The Netflix Movie Inspector Zende
Released: September 5, 2025 on Netflix.
Manoj Bajpayee plays Inspector Zende.
Jim Sarbh plays a fictional version of Charles Sobhraj named Carl Bhojraj.
Directed by Chinmay Mandlekar, the film is a comedy-thriller that mixes real events with humor, showing how old-school police work looked before the digital age.
Why This Story Matters
The tale of Inspector Zende is not just about crime and punishment. It is about courage, quick thinking, and how one determined cop brought down a criminal who believed he could never be caught.
