Black Warrant: Are Billa and Ranga based on real criminals? Explained

Black Warrant premiered on Netflix on January 10, 2025. With the direction of Vikramaditya Motwane, the series explores the Billa and Ranga case which is one of India's most infamous criminal cases. The series dedicates an entire episode exploring the real life story of Billa and Ranga.

Billa and Ranga were convicted for the kidnapping and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, an incident that had caught the headlines of the media and the outrage of the people. The series is based on real criminals (Billa and Ranga) and provides details of their ascension into the criminal world, their capture, and the trial that led to their execution in 1982.

Throughout its narrative, Black Warrant sheds light on the psyche of the two criminals while offering a closer look at the societal impact of their crimes. The series blends crime, drama, and courtroom intensity, making it a must-watch for fans of true-crime dramas.

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Black Warrant's Billa and Ranga are based on real criminals

A still from the series (Image via Netflix)

The Netflix series Black Warrant draws inspiration from the real-life criminals Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa). These two men were at the center of one of India’s most infamous criminal cases, involving the tragic abduction and murder of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra in 1978.

Ranga and Billa had a criminal history marked by violent offenses. Originally hailing from Punjab, the duo became involved in heinous crimes during the 1970s, targeting innocent victims for personal gain. In the infamous incident, they planned to hijack a car by kidnapping the Chopra siblings, whose father was a Naval officer. Their intent was to use the children as leverage to steal the vehicle.

However, their plan took a horrific turn when the siblings resisted. The crime escalated to unspeakable brutality, with both children meeting tragic ends. The case shocked the nation due to its sheer barbarity, prompting nationwide outrage and leading to one of the most high-profile manhunts of the time.

Ranga and Billa were arrested within weeks, facing a highly publicized trial. Convicted of their crimes, they were sentenced to death and executed in 1982 at Tihar Jail. The case left a lasting mark on India’s legal and social framework, highlighting the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure public safety.

Black Warrant adapts their story with dramatized elements while retaining the essence of the real events. It delves into their criminal psyche and explores the aftermath of their actions, offering viewers an intense blend of drama and true crime.

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The true story of Billa and Ranga in Black Warrant

Kuljeet Singh (Ranga) and Jasbir Singh (Billa) stood accused of the cold-blooded crime. On August 26, 1978, they persuaded Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, the son and daughter of Indian Navy Captain MM Chopra and Roma Chopra to get into their vehicle, where they planned to kidnap the kids.

The children were traveling to attend their music lessons in South Delhi when they encountered Ranga and Billa.

Their motive was to acquire a vehicle to facilitate their escape from law enforcement, as they were already wanted for earlier crimes. When their plan faltered, they committed horrifying acts of violence. Geeta was s*xually assaulted and then strangled, while Sanjay was stabbed to death. The murders led to widespread protests and demands for justice.

After the murders, Billa and Ranga fled from the scene, but police arrested them within three weeks through an intensive manhunt. Their trial was started in 1979, but they maintained their innocence.

Nevertheless, the abundance of evidence against them such as witnesses' testimonies and forensic results led to the recognition of the crimes they committed.

The death penalty, which was imposed by the court, was carried out at the Tihar Jail in Delhi in 1982.

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Stay tuned for more news and updates and catch Black Warrant streaming on Netflix.