Inspector Zende: The Untold Story of Mumbai’s Most Distinguished Police Officer

A Legacy of Law Enforcement Excellence

Inspector Madhukar Bapurao Zende served in the Mumbai Police from 1959 to 1996, establishing himself as one of the city’s most distinguished law enforcement officers. His excellence was recognized with both a Police Medal for Meritorious Service and a President’s Medal for Distinguished Service in consecutive years.

The Hunt for the Notorious Criminal

In what became his most famous case, Zende demonstrated remarkable investigative skills by tracking his target to Goa. After receiving crucial leads about suspicious bicycle registrations and telephone usage patterns at a popular tourist restaurant called O’Coqueiro, Zende went undercover as a tourist. After days of surveillance, he finally spotted his target on April 6, 1986. With characteristic calm, he approached saying, “Hello, Charles. How are you?” Despite the suspect’s attempt to draw a weapon, Zende’s team quickly overpowered him.

Beyond the Famous Case

Zende’s contributions to Mumbai policing extended far beyond this single case, including maintaining peace during the 1992 communal riots and implementing innovative community-based policing strategies in Dharavi. His impressive career included arrests of other notable figures such as Arun Gulab Gawli, encounters with Dawood Ibrahim, and the arrest of Haji Mastan.

A Lasting Impact

Zende’s philosophy of policing was remarkable – he once stated, “I never fired a bullet in my entire career” and believed that “Policing is about presence, not force.” Now 88 and retired, Zende remains a historic figure in the Mumbai police force. His achievements earned him recognition from notable figures, including meetings with former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and legendary Bollywood actor Dilip Kumar.

Legacy in Popular Culture

Netflix’s new film “Inspector Zende” brings this compelling intersection of true crime history and cinematic storytelling to life, starring acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee as the titular Mumbai police officer. The film, set to premiere on September 5, 2025, chronicles the extraordinary story of Inspector Madhukar Zende and his legendary pursuit of the infamous “Swimsuit Killer.”