Charles Sobhraj, the infamous French serial killer known as the “Bikini Killer” and “The Serpent,” continues to captivate the public imagination even years after his release from prison. Suspected of murdering at least 12-20 Western tourists along Asia’s hippie trail in the 1970s, Sobhraj’s life of crime, charm, and evasion has inspired books, documentaries, and hit Netflix series. As of 2025, with new adaptations like Inspector Zende and Black Warrant streaming on Netflix, interest in Sobhraj has surged. Here’s an updated look at his current status, family, captures, and media portrayals, based on the latest developments.
Charles Sobhraj’s Current Status: Free in France Amid Health Struggles
Released from Nepal’s prison on December 23, 2022, due to his advanced age and health issues—including multiple open-heart surgeries—Sobhraj now lives freely in France. At 81 years old, the once-elusive criminal has largely stayed out of the spotlight, but he made headlines in 2024 by appearing in a Channel 4 documentary, where he boldly claimed innocence, insisting he “hasn’t killed a single person.” Recent reports from 2025 indicate he’s roaming free in France, reflecting on his past while denying his crimes. Despite his release, Sobhraj remains barred from Nepal for 10 years and has reportedly profited from his notoriety, selling film rights for millions and charging hefty fees for interviews.
Charles Sobhraj’s Wives: From Chantal Compagnon to Nihita Biswas
Sobhraj’s romantic life has been as tumultuous as his criminal career.
- First Wife: Chantal Compagnon – Married in 1969, Compagnon was involved in Sobhraj’s early crimes, including robberies in India. They had a daughter, Usha, in 1970, but she left him in 1973, returning to France and severing ties. Compagnon passed away in later years, but her influence marked Sobhraj’s initial foray into crime.
- Current Wife: Nihita Biswas – In 2008, Sobhraj married 20-year-old Nihita Biswas, the daughter of his Nepali lawyer, while imprisoned in Kathmandu. Despite a 44-year age gap, Biswas defended his innocence and celebrated his 2022 release as “long-awaited.” As of 2025, there’s no recent public update on their relationship, but Biswas was last prominently mentioned during his deportation to France. Reports suggest she remains supportive, though her current whereabouts are private.
Sobhraj also had relationships with accomplices like Marie-Andrée Leclerc and flings during imprisonment, showcasing his manipulative charm.
Charles Sobhraj’s Daughter: Usha Sutliff’s Life Away from the Spotlight
Usha Sobhraj, now Usha Sutliff, was born in 1970 in Mumbai to Chantal Compagnon. Raised amid her father’s crimes, Usha was taken to France by her mother in 1973, cutting all contact with Sobhraj. Now 55 years old (as of 2025), Usha lives in the United States and has forged a career in justice, working in a classified role with the US government to combat crime and prevent injustice. Her choice of profession is a stark contrast to her father’s legacy, and she has remained private, avoiding media attention.
How Charles Sobhraj Was Caught: The Role of Inspector Madhukar Zende
Sobhraj’s captures are legendary, particularly his encounters with Mumbai police officer Madhukar Zende.
- 1971 Arrest: Zende first nabbed Sobhraj at Mumbai’s Taj Hotel during a planned robbery.
- 1986 Recapture: After escaping Tihar Jail by drugging guards, Sobhraj was tracked to Goa by Zende, who apprehended him at O Coqueiro restaurant using clever disguises. This extended his Indian sentence, saving him from Thailand’s death penalty.
- 2003 Nepal Arrest: Spotted in Kathmandu, Sobhraj was convicted for 1975 murders and served until 2022.
Zende’s heroism is celebrated in recent media, highlighting his no-nonsense approach.
Charles Sobhraj on Screen: Movies, Series, and Netflix Hits in 2025
Sobhraj’s story has fueled numerous adaptations:
- Inspector Zende (2025, Netflix): Starring Manoj Bajpayee as Zende and Jim Sarbh as “Carl Bhojraj” (Sobhraj), this crime-comedy focuses on the 1986 chase. Released September 5, 2025, it blends humor and suspense, earning praise for Bajpayee’s performance despite mixed reviews on pacing.
- Black Warrant (2025, Netflix): A series based on Tihar Jail confessions, with Sidhant Gupta as Sobhraj. It explores his imprisonment and jailbreak, including anecdotes like Sobhraj aiding a suspended jailer.
- The Serpent (2021, Netflix): Tahar Rahim stars as Sobhraj in this acclaimed series about his 1970s spree.
- Main Aur Charles (2015): Randeep Hooda portrays Sobhraj in this Bollywood film focusing on his charm and escapes.
- Channel 4 Documentary (2024): Sobhraj himself appears, interrogating unsolved crimes.
These portrayals keep Sobhraj’s dark legacy alive, blending fact with drama.
Why Charles Sobhraj’s Story Endures in 2025
From his hippie trail murders to daring escapes, Sobhraj embodies the archetype of a charismatic villain. With Netflix’s 2025 releases like Inspector Zende and Black Warrant dominating OTT charts, his tale resonates in true-crime circles. Yet, his denials and family members’ contrasting lives— like daughter Usha’s fight for justice—add layers of intrigue.
For fans of crime dramas, stream Inspector Zende and Black Warrant on Netflix now. Stay tuned for more updates on this enigmatic figure.