As Charles is finally set free by Nepal Government, we see the man he truly was
“The Bikini Killer” and “The Serpent” are all names associated with Charles Sobhraj- probably one of the most talked about Serial Killer. The movies and documentaries on him are endless, and one in which Randeep Hooda played the role of Charles in “Main Aur Charles” should not be missed.
So, who is Charles Sobhraj?
Charles Sobhraj was a notorious killer who created havoc in the 1970s. Most of his victims were Western tourists travelling on the hippie trail. The hippie trail is a journey that members of this subculture take, and it passes through South Asian countries of Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, India, Nepal, and Thailand.
He was nicknamed the Bikini Killer because most of his victims were women who were dressed in bikinis. His ability to avoid being captured by the authorities is what gave him the title of ‘The Serpent Killer’ or ‘the Splitting Killer’.
Though official numbers are not known, it is said that he killed around 20 tourists.
His MO (Modus Operandi)
Charles was an ingenious, charming, and intelligent criminal. His ability to manipulate and charm his victims is what allowed him to overpower them and, finally, kill them. He usually spiked the drinks of the victims and killed them. The reason why he chose women dressed in bikinis comes from his view of women and how they ought to behave. It is also a complex understanding of power dynamics and childhood experiences.
Charles in India
Charles Sobharj is popular in India because this was also his playing field at one time. He came to India in 1976 and was captured here after a failed attempt to poison some tourists. He was sentenced to prison for 12 years and sent to Tihar Jaill.
The Escape
Charles was wanted in Thailand for the crimes he had committed there, and a death sentence awaited him there. The Indian authorities were to hand him over to the Thai Police; hence, he had to escape jail.
On 16th March 1986, he distributed sweets, chocolates, and fruits to everyone in prison on account of his birthday. These items were laced with sedatives that put all the guards right to sleep. And thus, Charles walked out of Tihar a free man (more or less). His master plan was not yet over. He made sure to put the drugged warden in the car so that no one suspected anything wrong as the car carried an official.
The Manhunt and Capture In Nepal
The escape was one of the worst security lapses of the prison system in India. What followed was a manhunt like no other. He was finally captured in Goa and was sent to prison for another 10 years.
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Though this may seem to be a poorly executed plan, it was not the case. Charles knew that if he were captured in India he would have to complete his 10-year sentence before he could be handed over to Thai authorities. He also knew that the death sentence order would lapse in 20 years. So, he served another ten years in Tihar till 1997. After this, he went back to France in 2003. He was captured in Nepal in 2004 and was given a life term for killing an American tourist.
Charles’ Release
Charles married a local woman Nihita Biswas when he was in Nepal, who also participated in Bigg Boss season 5. At the age of 78, Charles was finally released by the Central Jail in Kathmandu as the Supreme Court had ordered his release and that he be deported back to his home country. His release was done on health grounds, as he had undergone heart surgery in 2017. After his release, he took a flight back home and was finally ready to live the life of a free man.
