Home / Crime and Justice / Chilling 1978 Delhi Murder Case Inspires New Series
Chilling 1978 Delhi Murder Case Inspires New Series
21 Jun
Summary
- Siblings were abducted after accepting a lift in 1978 Delhi.
- Forensic evidence proved crucial in convicting the culprits.
- The case led to awards for children's bravery and safety focus.
In the late summer of 1978, siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra vanished after accepting a lift in Delhi, leading to a national tragedy.
They were kidnapped, tortured, and murdered by Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa). Their bodies were discovered days later, revealing the horrific nature of the crime and shocking the nation. The post-mortem indicated a fierce struggle, with Sanjay sustaining over 20 stab wounds.
The case became pivotal for India's forensic science development. Investigators meticulously used fingerprints, hair samples, blood analysis, and handwriting analysis to build a strong case, demonstrating the power of scientific evidence.
Ranga and Billa were arrested, tried, convicted, and subsequently executed in January 1982. The siblings were posthumously honored with the Kirti Chakra and inspired the Geeta Chopra Award and Sanjay Chopra Award for children's courage.
Almost five decades later, the Ranga-Billa case's impact is explored in the series 'Raakh'. The dramatization, while taking creative liberties, rekindles discussions on child safety, public spaces, and the crucial role of evidence-based policing, ensuring their story continues to resonate.
