The Full Story of Charles Sobhraj Wife and the Women Connected to the Infamous Criminal
You’re searching for “Charles Sobhraj wife” because the life of the infamous serial conman and murderer—nicknamed The Serpent and The Bikini Killer—has fascinated the world for decades. His story is full of manipulation, charm, criminal activity, and psychological complexity. But one of the most surprising elements of his life is the number of women who remained devoted to him, even as he stood accused or convicted of horrifying crimes.
The question of who Charles Sobhraj’s wife is leads to a deeper understanding of how he used charm, persuasion, and emotional influence to form relationships that defied explanation. Below, you’ll explore the women he married, the women who supported him, and the complicated, controversial romantic connections he built over the years.
Who Is Charles Sobhraj?
Before exploring his marriages, it helps to understand why Charles Sobhraj’s personal relationships—and his wives—have always drawn intense attention. Born in 1944 in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), Charles Sobhraj was:
- A conman, thief, and serial killer
- Known for targeting Western tourists in Asia during the 1970s
- A manipulator who escaped prisons multiple times
- A charming figure who gained followers
- A criminal who blended psychological control with deception
His crimes took place in countries such as Thailand, Nepal, and India, and he became the subject of documentaries, books, and the hit Netflix–BBC series The Serpent.
But even with this dark history, Sobhraj always attracted admirers—especially women. Several became lovers, accomplices, or even wives.
Charles Sobhraj’s First Wife: Chantal Compagnon
Long before he became internationally infamous, Charles Sobhraj married Chantal Compagnon, a young, intelligent Frenchwoman who came from a respectable background. Their relationship is often described as Sobhraj’s first major success at manipulation in the realm of romance.
How They Met
Charles and Chantal met in France during Sobhraj’s early years of petty crime and identity fraud. Chantal was initially hesitant, especially after learning about his criminal charges, but Sobhraj’s charm, emotional storytelling, and promises of reform convinced her to stay.
Their Marriage and Life Together
The couple married in the early 1970s. Afterward:
- Sobhraj involved Chantal in his criminal schemes
- They traveled through Europe and Asia
- Chantal became complicit by association, often unaware of the full extent of his crimes
- She helped him escape authorities multiple times
The Birth of Their Daughter
The pair welcomed a daughter, Usha, but Chantal’s commitment to Sobhraj began to crumble once she realized he would never stop committing crimes.
Their Separation
Eventually:
- Chantal left him in Afghanistan
- She raised their daughter alone
- She avoided the spotlight for decades
- She refused to reconnect with Sobhraj publicly
Chantal is often viewed as Sobhraj’s first victim of psychological manipulation.
Charles Sobhraj’s Most Devoted Partner: Marie-Andrée Leclerc
Though never legally his wife, Marie-Andrée Leclerc is often romantically linked to Charles Sobhraj more deeply than any other woman.
Who Was Marie-Andrée?
Marie-Andrée was a Canadian medical secretary who met Sobhraj in India. Mesmerized by his charisma, she followed him into a world of crime.
Her Role
Marie-Andrée:
- Helped lure victims
- Assisted with passports and forgeries
- Followed Sobhraj across countries
- Stayed loyal during trials
She was convicted of crimes linked to Sobhraj, though she always maintained she was under his psychological control.
Why She Matters to the “Wife” Narrative
Their relationship was so intense that many documentaries incorrectly refer to her as his wife. She was in many ways more devoted than his actual spouses.
Charles Sobhraj’s Most Famous Wife: Nihita Biswas
The most publicly recognized “Charles Sobhraj wife” is Nihita Biswas, a young Nepali woman who married Sobhraj while he was in prison. Their marriage shocked the world.
How They Met
In 2008, a 20-year-old law student and translator, Nihita Biswas, visited a prison in Nepal where Sobhraj was serving a life sentence.
She claimed she met him during a routine translation assignment. Sobhraj, then in his sixties, quickly initiated a romantic connection.
Their Controversial Marriage
Despite enormous backlash, Nihita insisted:
- Sobhraj was innocent
- He was misunderstood
- Their love was real
They married in prison in a ceremony that made global headlines.
Media Reaction
The world responded with:
- Shock
- Skepticism
- Fear for Nihita’s well-being
- Curiosity about why she married him
The marriage fueled renewed interest in Sobhraj’s psychological influence.
Their Relationship Dynamics
Nihita defended Sobhraj for years, appearing on:
- Television interviews
- South Asian news programs
- International reality shows
She claimed Sobhraj was spiritual, calm, and kind—descriptions that contradicted his criminal record.
Her Loyalty Through the Years
Even during appeals, retrials, and international scrutiny, Nihita never wavered in her public support for Sobhraj.
The Psychology Behind Sobhraj’s Marriages
Charles Sobhraj’s ability to attract—and keep—romantic partners is a recurring theme in his criminal history. Experts attribute his influence to:
1. Charisma and Confidence
He spoke multiple languages, dressed well, and projected sophistication.
2. Manipulative Intelligence
He studied people’s insecurities and desires, tailoring his charm to each individual.
3. The “Dangerous Attraction” Phenomenon
Some individuals are drawn to criminals because of:
- The thrill
- The desire to “save” them
- The belief they are misunderstood
4. Emotional Grooming
Sobhraj used:
- Praise
- Intensity
- Flattery
- Attention
to pull women into his world.
5. The Illusion of Security
He often positioned himself as a protector, even though he was the source of danger.
Charles Sobhraj After Prison Release
In 2022, Charles Sobhraj was released from prison in Nepal on health grounds after serving nearly two decades behind bars.
After his release:
- He returned to France
- Continued to deny many allegations
- Expressed interest in writing books
- Mentioned reconnecting with old contacts
It remains unclear whether he and Nihita Biswas are still romantically connected, though early reports suggested she was not traveling with him.
What the Story of Sobhraj’s Wives Reveals
Exploring Charles Sobhraj’s wives reveals deeper themes about human relationships:
- Manipulation can mimic love convincingly
- Psychological influence can overwhelm logic
- Charm can overshadow character for those seeking connection
- Dangerous individuals often attract admiration
- Love becomes complicated when power dynamics are imbalanced
Sobhraj’s marriages are not simply romantic stories—they are lessons in vulnerability, persuasion, and emotional danger.
OPTIONAL OUTRO
When you explore “Charles Sobhraj wife,” you uncover far more than a simple marital timeline. You encounter a disturbing yet fascinating trail of relationships shaped by manipulation, charisma, and psychological control. From his first wife Chantal Compagnon to his prison bride Nihita Biswas, the story of Charles Sobhraj’s wives offers a haunting look at how charm and danger can coexist—and how love can be influenced by forces most people never see coming.
Featured image source: Pinterest
