Introduction

The Geeta and Sanjay Chopra kidnapping case is one of the most harrowing crimes in Indian history, infamous for its brutality and the sheer innocence of the victims. In 1978, two young siblings, Geeta (16) and Sanjay Chopra (14), were abducted and brutally murdered in a shocking crime that shook the nation. This case highlighted the vulnerability of children and the cruel depths of criminal minds.

Background of the Criminals

The perpetrators of this crime were Kuljeet Singh alias Ranga Khus and Jasbir Singh alias Billa, two hardened criminals with a history of violent offenses. Both had a troubled past, having been involved in various illegal activities, including theft, robbery, and acts of violence. Ranga was a fugitive and had escaped from prison before committing this heinous crime, while Billa had a history of violent behavior and deceit. Their motivations were driven by greed and an indifference to human life, seeing the kidnapping of children from a wealthy background as an easy way to gain ransom money.

Background of the Victims

Geeta and Sanjay Chopra came from a respectable family in New Delhi. Their father, Commander M.L. Chopra, was a senior officer in the Indian Navy. Both siblings were bright and well-loved, with promising futures ahead of them. Geeta was preparing for her college entrance exams, while Sanjay was a student at a prestigious school in Delhi. They had no idea that a simple outing would end in a horrifying tragedy.

The Crime

On August 26, 1978, the Chopra siblings were waiting at a bus stop to attend an event at the All India Radio station in New Delhi, where Geeta was set to participate in a youth program. Ranga and Billa, who had been driving around in a stolen Fiat car, spotted the two children and decided to abduct them. Their initial plan was to kidnap wealthy children for ransom. However, the crime soon escalated to unspeakable violence.

The criminals abducted Geeta and Sanjay and took them to a secluded area. When their initial plan to extract ransom from the family did not work, they resorted to heinous violence. Both children were brutally murdered — Sanjay was strangled, while Geeta was raped and then killed. Their bodies were discarded in the outskirts of the city.

The Location of the Crime

The crime began at a bus stop in Chanakyapuri, a prominent area in New Delhi. The children were taken in the criminals' stolen car and driven through the city before being subjected to horrific violence. The actual murders occurred in a forested area near the Delhi-Haryana border, where the bodies were later discovered by the police. This remote and isolated location was chosen by the criminals to avoid detection.

The Timeline of the CrimeAugust 26, 1978: Geeta and Sanjay Chopra are kidnapped from a bus stop in Chanakyapuri, Delhi, around 5:30 PM.Late August 26, 1978: The kidnappers try to demand ransom but fail to make contact with the family.Evening of August 26, 1978: Ranga and Billa decide to eliminate the evidence of their crime. Sanjay is strangled to death, and Geeta is raped and murdered.August 28, 1978: The bodies of the siblings are discovered in the forest near Delhi.Early September 1978: The police investigation intensifies, and clues begin to emerge.Aftermath

The murders shocked the entire country, especially because the victims were so young and innocent. Public outrage mounted as details of the crime surfaced. The loss was especially personal for the family, and there were widespread demands for swift justice. The case also highlighted the need for stricter laws to protect children and punish violent criminals.

The media followed the case closely, and the public pressure for justice was immense. As the investigation progressed, the police were able to gather enough evidence to apprehend the criminals.

The Clues

Key evidence included the stolen car used by Ranga and Billa, which was found abandoned shortly after the crime. Witnesses reported seeing the car near the abduction site, which helped authorities trace the movements of the kidnappers. Forensic evidence, including fingerprints and bloodstains found in the vehicle, linked the criminals to the crime scene.

Further, the post-mortem examination provided critical information about the violent manner in which the children were killed, adding to the growing pile of evidence against Ranga and Billa.

The Arrest

Ranga and Billa were arrested after a nationwide manhunt. The breakthrough came when Ranga was caught trying to flee the city. Upon interrogation, he revealed the details of the crime, implicating Billa, who was also apprehended shortly afterward. Their arrest was the result of relentless police efforts, driven by public and media pressure for a swift resolution to the case.

The Trial and Punishment

The trial of Ranga and Billa was a high-profile event, with the entire country demanding justice for the Chopra siblings. The prosecution presented an overwhelming amount of evidence, including witness testimonies, forensic findings, and confessions from the criminals.

In 1981, the court found both Ranga and Billa guilty of kidnapping, rape, and murder. They were sentenced to death. The Supreme Court upheld the death sentence, and despite appeals for clemency, both criminals were hanged on January 31, 1982.