The Chilling Near Miss: How Ranga and Billa Almost Abducted Bobby Deol's Friend

In the annals of India's criminal history, few names evoke as much dread as Ranga and Billa. Known for their brutal spree of kidnappings and murders, these two figures terrorized the nation in the late 1970s. But amidst their heinous acts, a lesser-known incident stands out – a chilling near-miss that involved none other than a close childhood friend of Bollywood star Bobby Deol, and a dramatic intervention orchestrated by the legendary Dharmendra himself.

The year was 1978.

Bobby Deol, then a carefree child of eight or nine, was enjoying his school holidays. Unbeknownst to him and his family, a terrifying shadow was about to pass over their lives. His friend, Raj Shamani, found himself in a predicament that could have easily turned fatal. According to reports and recollections, Shamani, during a seemingly innocuous outing, was lured or otherwise found himself in the company of the notorious duo, Ranga and Billa.

What followed was a stroke of incredible luck, or perhaps divine intervention.

As Ranga and Billa drove through the streets of Delhi with young Raj Shamani in their vehicle, they were spotted by a keen-eyed milkman. This milkman, familiar with the city's underbelly and the faces plastered across "most wanted" posters, recognized the infamous criminals instantly. More crucially, he also recognized the child with them.

Without hesitation, the courageous milkman immediately alerted the local police.

The Delhi Police, already on high alert for Ranga and Billa, sprang into action. They wasted no time in tracing the movements of the criminals and, understanding the gravity of the situation, swiftly reached out to one of Bollywood's biggest stars: Dharmendra. It was a moment of sheer panic for the superstar, learning that a child close to his family was in such grave danger.

Dharmendra, fueled by paternal instinct and concern for his son's friend, rushed to the scene.

The police, acting with remarkable swiftness, intercepted Ranga and Billa, rescuing Raj Shamani from their clutches. It was a sigh of collective relief for everyone involved, a tragedy narrowly averted thanks to the vigilance of an ordinary citizen and the rapid response of law enforcement.

While Raj Shamani was safely returned to his family, the terror of Ranga and Billa continued for a brief period.

However, their reign of terror was eventually brought to an end. They were apprehended, tried, and ultimately sentenced to death, executed by hanging in 1982 for the brutal murders of siblings Geeta and Sanjay Chopra, among other crimes. The incident involving Raj Shamani remains a stark reminder of the widespread fear they instilled and the fragility of life during that dark chapter.

This harrowing tale, resurfacing decades later, underscores the profound impact Ranga and Billa had on the national psyche and the narrow escape that linked a Bollywood family to one of India's most infamous criminal duos.

It’s a story of chilling proximity to evil, averted by timely intervention, forever etched in the memories of those who lived through it.