Actor Ali Fazal’s crime thriller series Raakh has drawn attention for its dark and disturbing storyline. The Prime Video series is inspired by one of India’s most shocking criminal cases — the infamous Ranga-Billa case of 1978. The story continues to haunt people decades later because of the brutal kidnapping and murder that shook the entire country.
What Was the Ranga-Billa Case?
The Ranga-Billa case refers to the kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta Chopra and Sanjay Chopra in Delhi in 1978. The crime involved two criminals, Kuljeet Singh, known as Ranga, and Jasbir Singh, known as Billa. The horrifying incident became one of the most talked-about criminal cases in India due to its brutality and the nationwide outrage it triggered.
According to reports, Geeta and Sanjay were abducted while they were on their way to attend a radio programme in Delhi. The kidnappers initially intended to use them for ransom, but the situation later turned violent. The children were eventually murdered, leaving the country in shock.
Investigation and Arrest
The disappearance of the siblings sparked a massive police investigation. Their bodies were later discovered in Delhi Ridge, intensifying public anger and media attention around the case. Police eventually traced the accused after they were identified by army personnel during a train journey near Agra.
Authorities recovered evidence including blood-stained clothes and weapons linked to the crime. Following the investigation and trial, both Ranga and Billa were convicted for kidnapping and murder. They were later sentenced to death and executed in 1982.
How ‘Raakh’ Is Connected to the Case
The OTT series Raakh, featuring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre, is inspired by the Ranga-Billa case and revisits the emotional and psychological impact of the tragedy. However, the show presents the story in a fictionalised format while drawing heavily from the real-life incident that terrorised the nation in the late 1970s.
Reports by media outlets including India Today, NDTV, and The Indian Express stated that the makers used the infamous case as the foundation for the series’ narrative. The show explores themes of crime, grief, investigation, and the emotional toll on families affected by violence.
Why the Case Still Remains Significant
The Ranga-Billa case remains etched in India’s criminal history because of the scale of public outrage it generated. The incident also sparked discussions around child safety and policing in urban India. Over the years, the case has been revisited through books, documentaries, and screen adaptations, continuing to remind audiences of one of the country’s darkest crimes.
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