Charles Sobhraj: The Infamous Tihar Jailbreak
Charles Sobhraj, a serial killer and fraudster, was arrested in 1973 in Delhi. At that time, he was trying to rob at a jewelry store at Hotel Ashoka. He was imprisoned in Tihar jail in Delhi. However, one day he faked appendicitis and escaped the prison. His wife at that time also helped him.
Charles Sobhraj Escape from Tihar Jail
On March 16, 1986, he managed to escape the high-security of Tihar jail in Delhi. The case became a talk of the town as he managed to escape the tight security in less than 20 minutes. He did not even dig tunnels or climb walls. He easily walked out of the jail after everyone went in deep sleep.
He did not made food himself. His two friends brought the food in an ambassador car and entered through gate no. 3. In a basket full of fruits and other food items, they mixed the sleeping drug. Unaware about it, assistant superintendent SR Yadav received the basket of food.
After eating, everyone felt asleep, Charles along with his jail warder Prem Bahadur and six other inmates, walked out of the jail. Everyone was shocked to hear the news. Later, seven jail officials were suspended for being negligent about the situation. ((BBC))
More About Charles Sobhraj
Charles Sobhraj (born 6 April 1944) is a French-born individual of Vietnamese and Indian descent who became widely known internationally during the late 20th century.
His life story reflects a complex multicultural upbringing, extensive international travel, and a long period of public attention that spanned several decades.
Sobhraj’s background, personality, and global movements have made him a subject of interest in books, documentaries, and television productions.
Early Life and Family Background
Charles Sobhraj was born in Saigon, French Indochina (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam). His father was an Indian merchant from Sindh, while his mother was Vietnamese.
Following his parents’ separation during his early childhood, Sobhraj spent much of his youth moving between countries, particularly France and Southeast Asia, under the care of his mother and stepfather, who was a French military officer.
This early exposure to multiple cultures and languages played a significant role in shaping Sobhraj’s adaptability and cosmopolitan outlook.
He was educated primarily in France, where he spent his formative years. His childhood was marked by frequent relocations, which contributed to his familiarity with international environments and diverse social settings.
Nationality and Identity
Sobhraj holds French nationality and has often been described as having a complex personal identity due to his mixed heritage and transnational upbringing.
He has spoken multiple languages, including French, English, and Vietnamese, which aided his ability to navigate different societies throughout his life.
His multicultural background allowed him to blend easily into various social circles across Europe and Asia. This adaptability later became a defining characteristic of his public persona and life story.
Travels and Lifestyle
During the 1960s and 1970s, Charles Sobhraj traveled extensively across Europe, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, including countries such as India, Nepal, Thailand, Afghanistan, and Iran.
These regions were popular among international travelers during that era, particularly along what became known as the “Hippie Trail.”
Sobhraj developed a reputation for being well-dressed, articulate, and socially confident. He was known to associate with travelers, expatriates, and locals alike, often presenting himself as a cultured and knowledgeable individual.
His ability to establish trust and familiarity in diverse settings contributed to his visibility in international circles.
Public Image and Media Attention
Over time, Charles Sobhraj became a widely recognized figure in global media. His life story inspired numerous books, journalistic investigations, documentaries, and dramatized adaptations, particularly in Europe and South Asia.
These works often focused on his personality, international movements, and the intrigue surrounding his life.
In recent years, renewed public interest emerged due to television series and streaming platforms that revisited his biography, introducing his story to a new generation.
These portrayals emphasized his complex character, intelligence, and the international scope of his life rather than focusing solely on specific events.
Later Years
In his later years, Sobhraj remained a subject of public discussion and media coverage, particularly in France, Nepal, and India.
He gave interviews, authored autobiographical accounts, and maintained that his life had been shaped by circumstances, ambition, and global mobility.
After spending many years in South Asia, he eventually returned to France, where he lived privately. His later life has been marked by reduced public appearances, though interest in his biography continues due to its unusual international dimension.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Charles Sobhraj’s life remains notable for its cross-cultural elements, extensive travel, and enduring media fascination.
He is often cited as an example of how globalization, mobility, and personal identity intersected during the mid-to-late 20th century.
While interpretations of his life vary widely, Sobhraj’s story continues to attract attention for its complexity and global reach, making him one of the most discussed international figures of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Who is Charles Sobhraj?
He was born as Hotchand Bhawnani Gurmukh Sobhraj on April 6, 1944 in Saigon, French Indochina. He is infamous as Bikini Killer, Splitting Killer, and The Serpent.
What is his age?
As of 2025, he is 81 years old.
Where is Charles Sobhraj now?
As per Netflix-based crime drama commentary, he is living in his home country France. He is living there freely.
Is Charles Sobhraj alive?
Yes, he is alive.
What happened to Charles Sobhraj first wife?
His first wife Chantal Compagnon, separated from Charles in the mid-1970s. She then returned to France and lived with her daughter. She cut all her ties with him and did not contact him.
Where is Charles Sobhraj’s wife now?
His first wife is in France. His second wife Nihita Biswas, a Nepali advocate is living a simple life in Nepal. She also participated in the fifth season of Bigg Boss Hindi.
Who is Madhukar Zende in Charles Sobhraj case?
Madhukar Zende served in the Indian Police Service (IPS) officer, Mumbai Police. He is known for capturing him.
Does Charles Sobhraj have any children?
Yes in 1964, his son Pranck was born with his girlfriend Chantal Desnoyers. With her, he has a daughter named Muriel Anouk. From his wife Chantal Copagnon, he has a daughter named Usha Sobhraj.
What is Charles Sobhraj’s religion?
During his teenage years, he was baptized as a Catholic. He took the named Charles.
Who are Charles Sobhraj’s parents?
His father, Sobhraj Hatchard Bavani, was an Indian tailor, moneylender, and owner of tailor shops.
His mother, Tran Loang Phun, was a bar hostess and shop assistant.
Who was Charles Sobhraj’s girlfriend?
He had many girlfriends named Chantal Desnoyers, Chantal Compagnon, Marie-Andree Leclerc, Sneh Sengar, Jacqueline Kuster, and Nihita Biswas.
