The notorious Ranga-Billa case is getting the OTT treatment. A new web series is in the making, starring Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre as the lead investigators. The true-crime drama is based on the 1978 kidnapping and murder of two children, Geeta and Sanjay Chopra.
A Chilling Crime
The incident shook the nation. Ranga and Billa, the perpetrators, abducted the siblings in Delhi. The kids’ father, Captain Madan Mohan Chopra, was a naval officer. The kidnappers demanded ransom, but when they discovered the father’s occupation, they brutally murdered the children.
The crime was heinous. Geeta was allegedly raped before being killed. The police investigation revealed the chilling details. Ranga and Billa were eventually caught on September 8, 1978, while traveling on the Kalka Mail train. They were arrested after a scuffle with military personnel.
A Long Legal Battle
The trial was lengthy. Ranga and Billa confessed to their crimes but later retracted their statements. The Delhi court sentenced them to death under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code. The convicts appealed to the Delhi High Court, which upheld the verdict. They then approached the Supreme Court, but their appeal was dismissed.
The duo appealed to President Neelam Sanjiva Reddy for clemency, but it was rejected. They filed another petition with the Supreme Court, which was again dismissed on April 21, 1981. Finally, on January 31, 1982, Ranga and Billa were hanged at Tihar Jail.
Bringing the Story to Life
The web series is currently being filmed in Delhi and will continue shooting in Uttar Pradesh and Mumbai. Ali Fazal and Sonali Bendre will bring the investigators’ story to life. The production team has been researching the case for months. The series is expected to be released by the end of 2025.
While this is the first full-fledged web series on the Ranga-Billa case, it was briefly featured in the series “Black Warrant.” The new series promises to delve deeper into the events surrounding the crime. With its strong cast and meticulous research, this web series is set to captivate the audience. The makers are gearing up for a gripping narrative that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.